20 Championship trophy tour kicks-off


By HQ
May 6 2016

The World Rugby U20 Championship trophy will begin making its way across Lancashire and Cheshire, from May 7, marking one month to go until the tournament kicks-off.

The World Rugby U20 Championship trophy will begin touring the North West on Saturday, May 7

Having travelled over 11,000 miles to reach Manchester, leaving the home of title holders New Zealand in December last year, the trophy will begin its tour in Rochdale, Lancashire as the competition heads to England for the first time.

It will then visit over 70 clubs and schools throughout the Greater Manchester area before arriving on Albert Square for the tournament media launch event on June 4.

The trophy will cover over 2,000 miles during the tour and will be seen by over 20,000 school children as well as over 3,000 rugby club members.

To coincide with the trophy tour in the North West, Live Wire Theatre are touring their critically acclaimed Hands Up for Jonny Wilkinson’s Right Boot hit show at 19 of the trophy host venues including Manchester’s Dancehouse Theatre on Friday June 3.
 

Only three teams have lifted the trophy – England, New Zealand and South Africa – meaning it is still relatively unseen for most. The tour will give thousands the chance to see the trophy before the World Rugby U20 Championship begins on June 7 at Manchester City’s Academy Stadium and AJ Bell Stadium.

Commenting on the tour, RFU Rugby Development Director Steve Grainger said: “As we saw from Rugby World Cup 2015, Manchester has established itself as a key location for rugby union in the North. The demand for the trophy across the region is evidence of the growing demand for the sport.

“We hope the trophy tour kicks-off what will be an exciting three weeks of top class rugby in the city, as well as leaving a lasting impression on the clubs and schools to help drive participation in the game.”

 Week 1 (Saturday 7 – Friday 13 May)

Saturday 7 May
Raging Bull North West League Cup Finals, Rochdale RFC & Rossendale RFC
Crewe & Nantwich Minis & Juniors RFC

Sunday 8 May
Manchester City Academy Community coaching session with Eddie Jones, England Head Coach
Trafford MV RFC
Sale FC
Sandbach RFC

Monday 9 May
Bolton School
Gaskell Primary School, Bolton
Bolton RFC

Tuesday 10 May
Wythenshawe RFC
Go Air Trampoline Park
Airkix Indoor Skydiving
Palace Theatre

Wednesday 11 May
CBRE All School
Ferry across the Mersey

Thursday 12 May
Myerscough College, Preston
BAE Systems

Friday 13 May
Birkdale High School, Southport
Christ the King High School, Southport
Manchester Grammar School
Vale of Lune RUFC, Lancaster