The Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and World Rugby today unveiled the tournament identity for the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 (WRWC 2017) which will be held in Dublin and Belfast in August of next year.
The unveiling ceremony which took place at University College Dublin, the venue of the WRWC 2017 pool matches, was attended by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, incoming World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont, IRFU President Martin O’Sullivan, IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne and WRWC 2017 Tournament Ambassador and former Ireland Women’s captain Fiona Coghlan.
The Celtic design, symbols and pattern represent the heritage of the whole island of Ireland while the four interwoven green strands represent the four provinces and the close knit relationship of rugby on the island of Ireland.
Speaking at the launch event, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD, said: “Irish people are great supporters of sport and I know that Ireland will host the best ever Women’s Rugby World Cup.
“The launch of this logo, which represents all four provinces, signals the start of a remarkable journey for our Irish rugby team.
“The Women’s Rugby World Cup will be a fantastic opportunity for the people of Ireland to demonstrate that we can deliver major sporting events, and to reinforce our desire to host many more.”
World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset commented: “The Women’s Rugby World Cup has evolved into a major global sporting event and is truly the pinnacle of the Women’s 15s game. Following the outstanding success of Women’s Rugby World Cup 2014 in France, which engaged millions of fans and inspired so many girls around the world to get into rugby, the focus now turns towards 2017. Ireland has been very supportive of the women’s game and I have no doubt that Dublin and Belfast will host a fantastic tournament in August 2017.”
IRFU Chief Executive Philip Browne said: “The IRFU has been working closely with World Rugby to ensure that all the necessary elements are in place for the hosting of a successful tournament. The tournament identity is the first significant marker in the promotion of Women’s Rugby World Cup Ireland 2017 and it is the starting point for a conversation with all sports fans in the country as we embark on a journey which culminates in a World Cup final at Kingspan Stadium in Belfast in August 2017.”
Fiona Coghlan, WRWC 2017 Ambassador, added: “There has been a lot of work done to date behind the scenes but today the tournament comes to life and can be seen as something to get really excited about. The prospect of Ireland hosting the top international players competing for the biggest prize in the game is hugely exciting.”
WRWC17 will see 12 teams compete across 30 matches to determine the World champions of Women’s rugby. The 18 pool games will be played at University College Dublin, with the 12 play-off matches taking place at Queen’s University Sport and Kingspan Stadium, Belfast. The final will take place at Kingspan Stadium on the August 26, 2017.
Aon has been an official sponsor of the Irish Rugby Football Union Women’s team since 2014, and will continue their support of Women’s rugby as an Official Partner of the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017.
“We’re thrilled to be an official partner of the Women’s Rugby World Cup in 2017,” said Richard Endersen, CEO of Aon Risk Solutions Ireland. “A truly global sport, Women’s rugby embodies many of the values we live and breathe at Aon – leadership, teamwork, diversity and integrity. We’ve had the tremendous opportunity to see these values in action over the last two years as the official sponsor of the Irish Women’s rugby team. Our entire organisation is excited to celebrate them and the spirit of the game with our passionate fans at the World Cup.”
John McGrillen, Tourism Northern Ireland Chief Executive, said: “Tourism NI is thrilled to be working in partnership across Northern Ireland and the Republic to deliver the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017 which we expect will make a significant contribution to our economy. Northern Ireland is fast gaining a reputation as another home of great sporting events and we will be encouraging fans from across Ireland and the world to make the trip to Belfast.
“With world class facilities on offer, including Queen’s University and Kingspan Stadium, and the semi-finals and finals in Northern Ireland, I have no doubt that local fans and visitors alike will experience a fantastic atmosphere in Belfast in August next year.”
Brendan Kenny, Deputy Chief Executive of Dublin City Council, commented: “We are delighted to be working with the IRFU in supporting the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2017. Our record of hosting major international sporting and cultural events in Dublin speaks for itself, and WRWC 2017 provides another great opportunity to showcase our City, yet again, as a welcoming, receptive and vibrant destination, ideally positioned to host world class events like this one.”
The tournament tagline #BringIt was also unveiled as all sports fans are encouraged to experience the tournament first hand and show the passion and enthusiasm the country brings in supporting international sporting events.
The World Rugby tournament website, www.rwcwomens.com, is also now live for information on the teams who have qualified and those that are still looking to secure their places at the WRWC 2017.
Tournament information can also be found at www.irishrugby.ie/ireland2017.
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