Oakmeadians RFC, in Meyrick Park, Bournemouth celebrated the arrival of Rugby’s greatest prize, the Webb Ellis Cup, on Sunday 12 July as part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour.
The trophy, which is in the South West region for 10 days as part of the Trophy Tour, visited Meyrick Park to take part in the Dorset & Wilts RWC2015 Legacy Showcase Event with over 1500 people in attendance, spectators were treated to a guest appearance from Sarah Hunter, England women’s captain and member of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 winning team.
A combined side of Dorset clubs played an invitational match as a prelim to the arrival of the trophy with players from Oakmeadians, Wimborne, Swanage & Wareham, Poole, Puddletown, Lytchett Minster, East Dorset, Blandford and Bournemouth who all put local rivalry aside in what turned out to be a fantastic game. A well contested friendly and spirited example of teamwork.
Following the game, Dorset Schools held a Tag Festival and to round off the day Sarah Hunter joined Oaks Ladies, Oaks Girls and the Dorset & Wilts Under18’s in a friendly game of Touch.
Features from the day included ‘have a go’ sessions from Oaks & Bournemouth Touch and Oaks Ladies, agility activities from members of the local RFU delivery team, fun and games from Poole RFC and representation from the Dorset & Wilts Referee Society.
Andy Walton, president of Oakmeadians said: “We are proud to host the world-famous Webb Ellis Cup. The Trophy has brought people of all ages together in our community to celebrate this important occasion. Dorset has been buzzing with activity with the arrival of the Trophy as part of the nationwide celebration of Rugby and we are all counting down with excitement to Rugby World Cup 2015.”
The Trophy Tour, which launched on June 10 marking exactly 100 days-to-go to the opening match, is travelling the country. Schedule information available via the website: rugbyworldcup.com/trophy-tour/events
