Despite some rain showers, Cobham RFC 'shone' on Saturday August 29th as it welcomed the Webb Ellis Cup to Cobham as part of the 100-day Trophy Tour.
Advertised as a Club and Community event, the afternoon included an exciting Under 21’s rugby game against Farnham (Cobham won 18-17), Rugby World Cup 2015 themed face painting and inflatables to entertain the youngsters. A Namibian styled BBQ provided by Rushmoor Rotary, and Italian Pizzas by Cobham based Baked and Battered, provided the refreshments for a crowd of 500 who had travelled from far and wide.
The excitement of the arrival of the Webb Ellis Cup at 4pm, in its specially adapted Land Rover, was enhanced by the welcome appearance of Jason Leonard, President of the Rugby Football Union and member of the 2003 Rugby World Cup winning England team who happily met all the visitors and posed for photographs throughout the afternoon.
Cobham had invited the Mayor of Elmbridge, Councillor Jan Fuller and Consort John Caton, together with local Councillors, members of the Cobham Chamber of Commerce and Elmbridge Business Guild along with Cobham RFC sponsors and representatives from ACS Cobham International School who are co-Team Base Hosts with Cobham CSA. They were entertained in the Cobham Curve which was bedecked by flags of the participating countries.
Representatives of the England 2015 Trophy Tour team, led by Emily Whitaker, ensured the Trophy was displayed for everyone to see and photograph. Working in close partnership with DJ and Dino Adams of Cobham's Rugby World Cup 2015 Committee, members of the local community, Cobham Sports members and invited guests were all able to have their photographs taken with both Jason Leonard and the Webb Ellis Cup.
Cobham Rugby World Cup 2015 Chairman Tony Balkwill said 'I am delighted with the response from the community to come down to their local rugby club to see the Trophy and the facilities that we will offer the Italian and Namibian Rugby teams. This was the perfect start to the Rugby World Cup 2015, during which Cobham Rugby will be screening live games throughout the Competition alongside the welcome we will be extending to the two international rugby teams.'
