#WRWC2017 Trophy Tour Kicks Off In Style
The Women’s Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour kicked off in style this week with the backing of the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, as it began a series of visits to every county in Ireland.
The visit to Áras an Uachtaráin was one of the early stops on the tour that started at Donnybrook last Friday night. Reigning World champions England not only collected a Grand Slam but they also dropped off the precious Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy as a packed house of over 6,000 fans got a chance to see the silverware.
#WRWC2017 #bringit ??? pic.twitter.com/rjvVRBAJgy
— amy fitzpatrick (@amyfitzpatric14) March 17, 2017
On Saturday, the trophy was formally presented at the Aviva Stadium – accompanied by Grand Slam captain Sarah Hunter, who spoke eloquently about what the tournament means, and Ireland’s iconic captain Niamh Briggs who is looking forward to the whole island getting involved in the Trophy Tour.
Then it began in earnest with road trips to Cavan RFC, Clontibret National School in Co. Monaghan and Virginia RFC on Sunday with Ireland star Sophie Spence on hand to meet the girls.
A pleasure to be asked to visit @RFCVirginia for the start of the #WRWC2017 #trophytour great day #wrugby #bringit pic.twitter.com/RsMSq4C3dN
— sophie spence (@spence_87) March 19, 2017
Monday saw the trophy visiting Monaghan Collegiate School, Scoil Naomh Padraig in Emyvale and a civic reception in Monaghan RFC.
Briggs and Ireland legend Brian O’Driscoll were part of the welcoming party for World Rugby as they visited Ireland this week to assess the Ireland RWC 2023 bid and both were on hand as President Michael D. Higgins welcomed the trophy on Tuesday.
Then it was a short trip up the M1 to Sport NI in Belfast as the whirlwind tour, which will take in schools, clubs and events in every county on the island of Ireland in the coming weeks and months, continued.
Donegal was the next stop on Wednesday with visits to the Donegal Sports Partnership accompanied by Ireland star and Donegal native Nora Stapleton. The visit was one of the highlights of the Girls Get Active festival.
Girls @ErrigalCollege @FinnValleyColl & Irish Rugby players Nora Stapleton & Laura Feeley with Women’s Rugby World Cup#BringIt #WRWC2017 ? pic.twitter.com/fT9RTDDCWP
— Donegal Sports Pship (@ActiveDonegal) March 22, 2017
Then it was on to St. Mary’s National School in Stranorlar at lunchtime and City of Derry RFC on Wednesday evening. Enniskillen played host to the trophy today (Thursday) with stop-offs in Enniskillen Royal Grammar School and Enniskillen RFC.
#WRWC2017 Trophy Tour – Coming Up:
The trophy will visit Ireland’s oldest rugby club, Dublin University FC, next week as well as visits to Malone, Greystones and Maynooth. For a list of upcoming events on the tour, visit www.rwcwomens.com.