Rugby World Cup comes to Ilkley on Wednesday

The Webb Ellis Cup, won so famously by England in 2003, will be on display at Ilkley Rugby Club’s Stacks Field headquarters from 6pm.

The trophy is on a 100-day tour ahead of the World Cup tournament which starts on Friday, September 18 when England play Fiji at Twickenham.

Ilkley are marking the event with a special programme of activities which begin at 3pm with tag and touch rugby sessions for youngsters of all ages.

Ilkley official Tom Gillon said: “They just need to come along with shorts and trainers to join in. We also hope to encourage the mums and dads to take part later on.

“It is a celebration of rugby and the Rugby Union’s special roadshow will be at the ground throughout the afternoon. This is a big day for the club and we hope the people of Ilkley will join in.

“There is free parking at the ground and refreshments will be available for purchase.”

England prop David Wilson, promoting the visit, reckons the home crowd can be their 16th man in the World Cup.

The 30-year-old tight-head prop explained: “It is not just during the games that they can be an advantage either.

“It is when we are warming up and preparing for the matches. The noise can be massive for us.”

England play Fiji, Wales and Australia at Twickenham before facing Uruguay in their final Pool A match at Manchester City between September 18 and October 10.

However, the former Newcastle front-rower who now plays for Bath in the Aviva Premiership, then tried to play down the emotion and expectations.

He said of the four group contests, and what will hopefully be three knockout matches, including the final at Twickenham on Saturday, October 31, that follow it: “It is a matter of treating every game like any other, like a match in the Six Nations, and concentrating.”

David Wilson was speaking on behalf of BMW, official partner of England Rugby and drivers of the Sweet Chariot Roadshow which will be visiting Ilkley Rugby Club. Visit www.BMW.co.uk/Chariots for more information.