Rugby World Cup trophy to tour Scotland

As the countdown continues to the Rugby World Cup in England this autumn, details are announced today of an opportunity for Scots to see the prize that the best players on the planet are striving for.The glittering Webb Ellis Cup, first contested at the inaugural Rugby World Cup in New Zealand and Australia in 1987, will be touring the UK and Ireland.The launch will take place on Wednesday 10 June – 100 days out from the start of the competition – with the trophy touring Scotland from 11-15 June.Rugby clubs in Scotland, which will host the trophy, are planning major festivals which will build excitement towards the start of the tournament.A spokesman for Scottish Rugby said: “We are delighted to work with our colleagues in England to showcase our sport and its values in this special year.”The Webb Ellis Cup will visit every rugby region in Scotland and the itinerary is being finalised at present.”Debbie Jevans, CEO of England Rugby 2015, said: “The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour will be the perfect opportunity to excite and engage fans across the UK and Ireland.”Delivering a continuous 100 day tour means we can give as many fans as possible the opportunity to see the Webb Ellis Cup and tell us their rugby story as they countdown to their own tournament experience.”The itinerary in Scotland reads:Thursday 11 June – Lothian Park, Jedburgh,Friday 12 June – North Berwick RFC, Recreation Park, North Berwick; and Edinburgh Rugby, BT Murrayfield, EdinburghSaturday 13 June – Howe of Fife RFC, Duffus Park, CuparSunday 14 June – Highland RFC, Canal Park, InvernessMonday 15 June – Glasgow Warriors, Scotstoun, Glasgow; and Ayr RFC, Millbrae, Ayr