A rugby ball has been sent into space today attached to a large weather balloon as part of a 100 day tour of the Webb Ellis Cup.
The event took place this morning at the National Space Centre in Leicester. A camera was attached to a Rugby ball enabling it to take many images whilst soaring up to 100,000ft above the earth’s surface.
Former Rugby players George Chuter and Martin Corry released the balloon which should land back to earth later on today.
Members of the public were able to pose with the cup and take photos; as a special reminder of the upcoming Rugby tournament.
Cllr Piara Singh Clair, assistant city mayor responsible for sport said: “Leicester is renowned for its contribution to space research, so it seems fitting that the National Space Centre should host this spectacular event as part of our countdown to Rugby World Cup 2015.
“It is also our way of welcoming the Webb Ellis Cup to the city – and reminding people that it won’t be long before the waiting is over and the tournament is under way.”
The launch of the ball was a sign for the public; letting them know that the Rugby World Cup was on its way and that the countdown had begun and although members of the public were unable to watch the launch, they enjoyed a meet and greet with an England star Martin Corry.
Leicester will be hosting three games in October as part of the Rugby World Cup 2015, Argentina versus Tonga, Canada versus Romania and Argentina versus Namibia.
The Webb Ellis Cup has been going around on a World tour which started back in May 2014. It has so far visited places around the world such as: Madagascar, Uruguay, Fiji and Japan. The final destination for the Cup will be Twickenham, where it will arrive in time for the starting of the tournament in September.
Leicester’s three matches all take place in October, with Argentina playing Tonga at 2.30pm on 4 October, Canada taking on Romania at 4.45pm on 6 October and Argentina versus Namibia at 12noon on 11 October.
Tickets are still available through the official Rugby World Cup 2015 ticketing website: tickets.rugbyworldcup.com
