THE WILLIAM WEBB Ellis Cup will be in Ireland this weekend as it takes the scenic route to Twickenham for the Rugby World Cup kick-off on 18 September.
As part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour – a title that does exactly what it says on the gold-plated tin – the trophy will be publicly presented in three provinces between today and Sunday.
Today, the shining chunk of gold is in Belfast and can be found at Harlequins’ tag rugby festival before a stop with Rory and Simon Best at Banbridge RFC tomorrow (both from 6pm).
On Saturday, Connacht fans can set their eyes on it. Either on Shop Street, close to the Spanish Arch, from 1pm to 2pm. Or between 3.30pm and 5pm at Galwegians RFC.
The trophy then heads south for a Sunday morning service at Thomond Park‘s Fan Zone Plaza from 10am to 11am.
Updated 19 June
Before it crosses back over the Irish Sea for the remaining 47 days of its tour at various locations in England and Wales (see them all here) The Webb Ellis Cup now be on public display on Wednesday 24 June from 9am to 10.30am in House of Fraser, Dundrum.