I was thrilled to be appointed as Rugby World Cup 2015’s official Parliamentary Ambassador and hope to use this role to boost tourism here in Rugby and celebrate our town’s position as the birthplace of the game.
There are less than two years to go until the tournament begins and the country yet again hosts a major sporting event. Ten cities across England will host the matches along with Cardiff and everything is right on track to deliver a spectacular celebration of the sport which began here on the Rugby School playing fields.
I will be working closely with England Rugby 2015 to ensure that the Rugby World Cup 2015 gets the profile and interest it deserves in Parliament and will work with fellow MPs to promote the tournament at every opportunity as well as working with Visit England to promote the town where it all began!.
The tournament is a great opportunity to once again put Rugby on the map and ensure as many Rugby Football fans as possible, from across the world, know that it was our town that gave them the sport they love.
I hope that as many people as possible from Rugby will get involved with the tournament whether that means buying a ticket for a match, visiting a Fan Zone or watching on TV no matter how people get involved, I know that there will be many unforgettable memories.
A local volunteering scheme will be put in place for the tournament and it is accepted that three quarters of the volunteers will come from local rugby clubs: people who know the game inside out and have a passion for it. There will also be a Young Ambassador scheme to allow young people to contribute to 2015’s festival of rugby and to help develop the game.
This will be a unique and incredible tournament so I am looking forward to everyone here in Rugby getting behind the Rugby World Cup 2015 and making England proud!