IRELAND fans will be able to catch a glimpse of the 2015 Rugby World Cup trophy in less than three months.
The highly coveted Web Ellis Cup will kick off its 100-day tour through Britain and Ireland on June 10, finally arriving at Twickenham on September 18 ahead of the Opening Ceremony.
The trophy will visit over 300 events, ranging from community rugby programmes to host city festivals and iconic national landmarks.
On the back of last weekend’s Six Nations success, Ireland fans will be able to see the next trophy in their grasp in Ulster (June 16-19), Connacht (June 20), Munster (June 21), Leinster (June 22), and Dublin (June 23-25).
Other key dates across Britain include Scotland - Edinburgh (June 12), Glasgow (June 14-15); Wales - Swansea (June 30), Cardiff (July 1-6); England - Devon (July 8), Gloucester (July 15-16), Birmingham (July 19-20), Manchester (July 25-27), Leeds (August 7-8), Hampshire (August 26-27), Central London (September 14-17).
This leg of the tour will follow a successful international journey, which has taken the cup to 12 of its 15 global destinations to date, with Canada , Germany, and France yet to complete before it returns to England.
In addition, the Official Fanzones have been announced, with 15 located in each host city, one at the birthplace of the game in Rugby and one in Trafalgar Square, London.
Debbie Jevans, CEO of England Rugby 2015, said: “With less than six months to go we are delighted to announce the locations of the Official Fanzones, alongside details of the 100 day Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour across the UK and Ireland.
“We have been delighted with the success of the international Trophy Tour, engaging with thousands of people across the globe, and hope to replicate that success when the Trophy Tour goes to Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Wales and England.”
Over 1 million people are expected to visit Fanzones throughout the tournament, which will include big screens – with some showing live matches - entertainment, food and drink and rugby activities.
World Rugby Chairman, Bernard Lapasset, said: “Rugby World Cup 2015 is a Tournament that will have the fans and teams at heart and we are excited about the unprecedented opportunity that the Trophy Tour and Fanzones will provide for fans to really engage with the Tournament no matter where they are.
“With six months to go until England 2015 kicks off, World Rugby is confident of a very special and record-breaking celebration of rugby that will inspire new fans and participants around the world.”
