Having already reached over a quarter of a million people, the Rugby Football Union’s Sweet Chariot Tour and the Webb Ellis Cup will be hosted by the WestQuay shopping centre in Southampton.

Between 9.00am and 6.00pm on Saturday 27 March, visitors to WestQuay will be able to see the Webb Ellis Cup and take part in a fun, interactive event that is open to all.

The day will offer WestQuay shoppers the opportunity to replicate Jonny Wilkinson’s famous last-minute World Cup winning drop goal in a specially-designed kicking cage, or score a try like Jason Robinson on the elasta-rugby ‘bungee run’.

Visitors will also be invited to have a Polaroid picture taken of them with the Webb Ellis Cup in front of a montage of the World Cup winning team, and can pick up information from the Hampshire regional development officer on how to get involved in rugby in the Southampton area.

Louise Hamer, WestQuay’s marketing controller commented: “We really are thrilled to have secured this amazing opportunity to have the Webb Ellis Cup in WestQuay. I am sure the day will prove extremely popular with visitors coming far and wide to see the cup and take part in the fun.”

Martin Johnson of Leicester Tigers, captain of the England World Cup Winning squad, said: “We have been overwhelmed by the support we’ve received from the public. Bringing the Webb Ellis Cup to WestQuay and the accompanying events is a great opportunity to get more people playing and involved in rugby throughout the region.”

Sir Clive Woodward, England head coach, added: “Taking the Cup around England is a wonderful opportunity to encourage people to get involved in all areas of rugby at the community level, whether as players, coaches, referees or even club administrators.”

A key aim of the Sweet Chariot Tour is to make rugby more accessible, and to widen the game’s appeal in areas currently under-represented in the sport. RFU President Robert Horner stressed: “We are keen that the Webb Ellis Cup goes to areas which have previously had little or no contact with rugby and where development work is now taking place. The Tour will help us achieve our aim of attracting and retaining over 10,000 new rugby players in the coming year.”

If you are interested in the Sweet Chariot Tour, or would like any further information on how to become involved in rugby, please email Activate UK, the design and delivery agency of The Tour on: contact@activateuk.co.uk