See the World Cup trophy at Sandy Park

Excitement is mounting ahead of next week's Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour visiting Devon as part of the build-up to this autumn's tournament.

The past 12 months has seen over 70,000 people celebrate rugby as the famous Webb Ellis Cup has toured all four corners of the globe.

The Trophy Tour delivered in partnership with Land Rover and DHL has visited 15 countries, clocked up over 115,000 miles, stopped in 12 different time zones and crossed the equator six times.

The Trophy Tour has generated excitement in the build up to Rugby World Cup 2015 visiting a mixture of established and developing Rugby nations, which have included: Japan, Australia, Fiji, Madagascar, South Africa, Argentina, Uruguay, USA, UAE, China & Hong Kong, Italy, Romania, Canada, Germany and France.

In each country the Webb Ellis Cup visited a number of locations, including schools, rugby clubs with special receptions laid on by the British Embassies. In total. the Trophy visited 111 communities and involved over 70,000 people, in an international celebration of rugby, including three world leaders (Japan, Fiji and Uruguay) and three mayors (Niagara Falls, Heidelberg and Paris).

And now it's heading for Devon - and in particular Sandy Park - on Friday, July 10 between 12 noon and 2pm. As one of the 13 host venues for the tournament, members of the general public will be able to visit the home of the Exeter Chiefs and get up close and personal with the famous trophy, which was won four years ago on home soil by New Zealand.



Later this year Sandy Park will play host to three World Cup fixtures, the first of which will be on September 29 when Namibia face Tonga. Additional fixtures will see Namibia face Georgia on October 7, before Italy and Romania do battle on October 11.

Tony Rowe OBE, Chief Executive of Exeter Rugby Club, said: "As a club we're delighted to have been selected as one of the host venues for this year's Rugby World Cup. To have one of the biggest sporting events being played here in Exeter, Devon and the Westcountry is fantastic and I know it will bring some many positives to the region.

"The fact all three fixtures have sold out shows there is a clear love of rugby in this part of the world and I've no doubt the tournament, the countries and the fans that take part will all living a lasting legacy for many years to come.

"As a club and as a venue, we extend a warm welcome to everyone to come along next Friday to Sandy Park and have the chance to see the World Cup trophy at first hand. It's not often opportunities like this come along, so I encourage the local public - even if you're not the biggest rugby fan in the world - to take up this rare chance."

Managing Director of England Rugby 2015, Stephen Brown, said: "With over 70,000 people celebrating rugby in over 100 communities across 15 countries, the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour has already been a great way for us to generate excitement around the globe during the build to Rugby World Cup 2015.

"Young people and grassroots rugby are a key part of the Trophy Tour, helping to spread the reach of the game. Now the excitement will continue to spread as the Webb Ellis Cup embarks on a 100 day Trophy Tour around the UK and Ireland."

Food and drink will be available between 12-2pm for those who come along to the stadium.