The William Webb Ellis Trophy, presented to captain Martin Johnson following England’s heroic victory in the Rugby World Cup final in Australia last November, will be on tour in Cheshire from February 12 to February 14.

The Sweet Chariot Tour is about bringing new people into the game of rugby by building on the enthusiasm for the game generated by England’s success in the Rugby World Cup.

The three main aims of the tour are;

To ensure the legacy of Rugby World Cup 2003 is maximised
To increase levels of participation and awareness (adults and young people)
To target NEW people, NEW communities, NEW events and activity

The cup, which is on tour in the Isle of Man on Wednesday and Thursday, will arrive at John Lennon Airport at 16.40 on the Thursday evening.

The Cheshire Rugby Football Union, in conjunction with the Rugby Football Union, have identified five main venues where the cup will be on display, together with an exhibition vehicle.

The public will be able to have their photograph taken alongside the cup and in front of a backdrop of the Telstra Stadium giving an impression they were actually at the game.

There will also be the opportunity to kick for World Cup glory in an inflatable kicking cage, score a try and provide a commentary on the winning drop goal. As well as rugby displays and competitions.

Between these major events the Cup and stadium backdrop will make shorter visits to certain schools and town centres along a pre-determined route for further photo opportunities.

Cheshire President, David Ewing, said: “This is a unique opportunity for the public in Cheshire, whether involved with rugby or not to see this magnificent trophy.

“The game of rugby wishes to be inclusive and the more people we can attract to the game, be it players, referees, coaches or administrators, young or old, male or female, the healthier and stronger the game will become.

“This is a chance for everyone to see and taste what this wonderful game is all about.”

CHESHIRE AND ISLE OF MAN ITINERY

Wednesday 11.2.2004
7.55pm: Flight from John Lennon Airport to the Isle of Man.

9.15pm: Summerland Evening Reception

Thursday 12.2.2004
8am: Hilton Breakfast Reception
10.00: Douglas
11.15: Ramsay RFC
12.30: Peel
14.00: Castletown
16.00: Flight to John Lennon Airport

1630 hours onwards
HELSBY High School, Frodsham – schools event when the Trophy will arrive back from the Isle of Man and includes RFU Sponsors O2
Various games of Tag and stalls from local clubs
1900 - CALDY RUFC, Caldy, Wirral

Volunteers Event.

There will be various Tag and training sessions including players and referees of all ages

A volunteer Event ‘Bring a volunteer’ will be held in the clubhouse.

We expect the Trophy to arrive at 7 pm and remain there until 8 pm

Friday 13.2.2004

AM Hamilton Square, Birkenhead
The Sweet Chariot Tour trailer will set up from 0800 onwards
The Trophy will arrive at 0830 for a civic reception with the Lord Mayor and dignitaries
0900 the Trophy will go one display to the public in Hamilton Square. Schools arte visiting and local clubs will be setting up stalls etc. The display vehicle will leave after the Trophy has left and make it way to Northwich.

1130 hrs Stanney High School, Ellesmere Port
Tag Rugby – displays and events involving this and other schools around the area. Parents will be invited by the schools too.

PM
1300 Chester City Centre – The Trophy will be greeted by Deputy Lord Mayor.
Display in the City Centre where schools will be invited to attend.

Chester Rugby club will be present where you can ask any questions to players and members of their committee
1530 - MALPAS High School – Presentation of local awards; games of Tag and Come and Try for children and adults.
1730 - MOSS FARM, Northwich – disability and mixed Tag Rugby; Girls Tag Rugby year 7 to 10. Volunteer Event and Fund Raising Event for local player recently disabled. It is expected that the large display vehicle will arrive here from Birkenhead sometime late afternoon.

Saturday 14.2.2004
AM

0830 to 1000 - Nantwich Town Centre – Breakfast with the Trophy – Mayors of both Crewe and Nantwich attending breakfast with the trophy only. Games of Tag and schools attending together with members of Crewe and Nantwich RUFC.
1000 – Coppenhall School local sports development target school – Games of disability Tag and Girls Tag.
1100 Sandbach High School – the large display vehicle will have set up here.
Events include Tag Rugby for all; disability and juniors. Raffles networking with other sports.
1230 – Congleton Town Centre - Met by the Mayor and local MP

Come and Try events raffles and displays by local club for all.

1500 – Macclesfield Town Centre Tag Rugby Displays and Raffles by local clubs
1700 – Stockport RUFC – the large display vehicle will have travelled from Sandbach during the day. Roadshow; Bar b cue; Volunteer Event; Two small marquees invites sent to clubs to have stalls and local schools are invited.
2000 - Finish.