World Cup trophy visits Downing Street

Rugby League World Cup 2013 completed one of the more challenging legs of the current trophy tour this week.

The famous trophy first visited the Prime Minister, David Cameron at 10 Downing Street and was then taken straight to the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones in Cardiff.

Steve McNamara and Iestyn Harris, the coaches of the two RLWC2013 host nations accompanied the trophy to Downing Street and spoke to Mr Cameron about their ambitions for the tournament. They were joined by Welsh players Ben Flowers and Lloyd White and by England’s Eorl Crabtree and Dan Sarginson of England Knights. The Prime Minister also heard about the growth of Rugby League in the capital from young Brixton Bulls players.

After the visit to Downing Street the trophy was packed safely away for rapid transit to the Senedd, the home of the Welsh Assembly.

RLWC2013 Tournament General Manager Sally Bolton said: “Tickets for the tournament went on sale last Friday and there has been a fantastic response so far, we have already sold 50,000 tickets and we need to keep that momentum going. Our trophy really brings the tournament alive for people and creates massive interest wherever it is so this tour is really important for us.

“It’s great that the government and the Welsh Assembly have recognised and given endorsement to the fact that RLWC2013 is the next international sporting event in the UK after the Olympics, so today’s dual visit was really important.

“The semi-final double header at Wembley Stadium in London and the opening celebration and games at The Millennium Stadium in Cardiff are two of our biggest events so it is important to maintain levels of interest in both cities. Both are selling really well but the Rugby League World Cup Final at Old Trafford is still outselling all other games by five to one, so my message to fans is if you want to be at the final, get your tickets now.”