As part of the celebrations for the centenary of French rugby, the French Rugby Federation has implemented an event project based on a national tour, which will cover 96 metropolitan departments and 110 cities across France.
This tour takes the form of a traveling exhibition that is open to the general public for free, set up in a train specially chartered by SNCF, and aimed at promoting rugby with the William Webb Ellis World Cup trophy on display inside.
Four carriages, four colors, four worlds to share everywhere the spirit of rugby, its values, emotions, most glorious champions, great festivities, little secrets, and its next challenge: the World Cup in France, in autumn 2007.
This traveling rugby exhibition aims to get as close as possible to volunteers, rugby lovers, and all French people but above all, it will be an opportunity for everyone to get a closer look at the coveted William Webb Ellis Trophy, which will be awarded on October 20, 2007, to the captain of the World Cup champion rugby team.
This train will stop at the Nice station on Wednesday, August 16 from 9 AM to 6 PM and on Thursday, August 17 from 9 AM to 6 PM at the Menton station.
Beach Rugby activities will also be offered:
– Rugby initiation and tournament on August 16 at the Fort Carré d’Antibes from 2 PM to 6 PM, trophy presentation starting at 2:30 PM
– From August 7 to 16 from 10 AM to 6 PM at the CLJ of Saint Augustine, on the Ferber beach in Menton, trophy presentation on August 16 starting at 4:30 PM
– On Thursday, August 17 from 10 AM to 6 PM on the Sablettes beach in Menton, trophy presentation starting at 4:30 PM
– There will also be an additional day of Beach Rugby on August 20 on the Sablettes beach in Menton.
These activities will be free and open to all to introduce everyone, young and old, to the practice of rugby.
For any information, do not hesitate to contact the Alpes Maritimes Departmental Rugby Committee at 04.93.83.06.77.
Attendees:
INTERNATIONAL RUGBY BOARD
– Jacques Laurans, RWC Director, Representative of Mr. Syd Millar (President of the Rugby World Cup)
FEDERATION FRANÇAISE DE RUGBY
– Bernard Lapasset, President of the French Rugby Federation
– Alain Doucet, Secretary General of the French Rugby Federation
– Henry Mondino, President of the Côte d’Azur Territorial Committee
– Jean Brouchier, President of the Alpes Maritimes Departmental Committee
SNCF
– Anne Marie Idrac, President of SNCF (presence not confirmed)
MAIRIE MENTON
– Jean Claude Guibal, Deputy Mayor of the City of Menton
– Luc Lanlo, Deputy Mayor for Culture of the City of Menton
EXTERNAL PERSONALITIES
– His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco
– Tina Avis, Mayor of the City of Rugby
– Neil Campbell, First Deputy, Delegate for Economic Development of the Agglomeration
– Gisèle Pellegrini, President of the Rugby Chamber of Commerce
