Rugby’s famous Webb Ellis Trophy arrived Queen Elizabeth Olympic park to mark one year to go until the Rugby World Cup comes to Stratford.
Lucky youngsters from Chobham Academy were able to get their hands on the cup during the visit, which will be handed to the winners of next year’s tournament.
They were joined by councillors and the borough’s young rugby ambassador, Alex Pearmain, to celebrate the occasion. Organisers England Rugby 2015 have teamed up with the council to hand out 200 rugby balls to schools as part of a legacy initiative.
Cllr Ian Corbett said: “We’re delighted to welcome rugby’s most coveted prize to Newham exactly one year away from the first of the five matches being played at the stadium.
“We want to get our residents talking about rugby and we want our young people to be inspired to take up the sport.
“Newham showed during the 2012 Games that we can create a festival atmosphere and we want 2015 to be a celebration of rugby and its unique qualities.”
Five matches will be hosted in the Olympic Stadium in September and October 2015, including the bronze medal play-off.
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