Trophy tour sets the tone for rugby frenzy

Dubai: The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour kick-started a week of rugby fever in the emirate as the Webb Ellis Cup visited some of Dubai’s most famous locations. Ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2015 to be held in England, the Trophy Tour took in the UAE following stints in Chicago, Madagascar and Australia. Next to welcome one of the most iconic prizes in sport will be Hong Kong and Shanghai.

The Web Ellis Cup’s arrival in Dubai whipped up a frenzy of excitement as rugby fans count down to the upcoming Emirates Airlines Dubai Rugby 7s this coming weekend. Over the course of the weekend the trophy travelled around the Emirate after being flown in to Dubai International Airport by DHL. After its journey from England, the trophy went on to inspire young Emirati rugby players at Emirates National School before a dune-bashing session in the desert with Land Rover and former Scotland International Rory Lawson.

Following a visit to Rashid School for Boys, the Web Ellis Cup was the guest of honour at a reception hosted by the British Embassy, and then joined former Welsh International Tom Shanklin and players at Dubai Hurricanes for a training session before visiting the Burj Al Arab and Palm Jumeirah for photos.

The Rugby World Cup 2015, the third largest global sporting event behind the Olympics and football World Cup, takes place in England and Cardiff next year between September 18 and October 31. The tournament will be hosted in 13 venues in 11 cities across the country.