Back, one of England's heroes who secured a memorable victory over Australia in the final in Sydney last November appeared with the Webb Ellis Cup at the Hotel Leofric in Coventry city centre.

The famous gold trophy is in the final month of a four month long nationwide tour organised by the Rugby Footbll Union designed to maintain the high profile that rugby has enjoyed since the World Cup and to attract new participants to the sport.

Back, who plays club rugby for Leicester Tigers, was born and raised in Coventry and he returned to his home town to help promote the Sweet Chariot Tour during the trophy's three-day stay in Warwickshire.

"Coventry is where I grew up, played my rugby and started my career so it's great to bring the cup back here," Back said.

Back was welcomed home by hundreds of fans who got up early to see the player and the trophy.

"It was a fantastic achievement for the England squad and it was a long time coming. It was a long, hard road," Back said.

The Lord Mayor of Coventry, Cllr Sucha Bains, joined Back on the balcony of the Leofric and was as thrilled as those gathered below to be so close to the famous trophy.

He said: "I'm pleased that so many people have come out, especially on a Sunday morning and with the weather not so good.

"It's been a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the World cup."

After leaving the Leofric the trophy travelled in a motorcade to Edgwick Park, in Foleshill, where a schools and youth tag rugby tournament was taking place.

Teams including the Radford Dream Team, Freddies from Frederick Bird Primary School, Holbrooks Primary School, Eagle Street Play Centre and Barker Butts all got the chance to pose for pictures with the cup.

Sarah Atkins, PE co-ordinator at Frederick Bird Primary School, said: "All week the kids have just been buzzing. They are incredibly excited about this."

The Sweet Chariot Tour ended its Coventry leg at Coundon Road, home of Coventry R.F.C, where the annual Coventry and Mid Warwickshire Sevens tournament was being staged.