Rugby World Cup 2021 Trophy Tour: April-September 2022

Rugby World Cup organisers have announced details of the RWC 2021 Trophy Tour which will span six months from April to September 2022 and see the cup travel throughout New Zealand, as well as in Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands.

The launch date of 6 April marks 31 years since the first-ever women’s Rugby World Cup in Wales in 1991, said the RWC organisers.  As part of the Trophy Tour and recognition of the women’s game, World Rugby will finally add 1991 (USA) and 1994 (England) winners to the trophy.

World Rugby Chairman, Sir Bill Beaumont, said: “We are delighted to be launching the Rugby World Cup 2021 Trophy Tour in Auckland; the city that will host the opening matchday of the pinnacle women’s 15s tournament, and what is set to be a spectacular celebration of women’s rugby later this year. 

The Trophy Tour is a fantastic opportunity for us to showcase women’s rugby to a nation that is hugely passionate about the sport. It is our ambition to continue to build up excitement for Rugby World Cup and to inspire the next generation of female rugby players as the trophy travels over 2,000 kilometres to clubs, schools and community projects throughout New Zealand.” 

Photo Credit: World Rugby

Where will the Rugby World Cup 2021 Trophy Tour Go?

The Trophy Tour will set off from Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and will try and reach fans in every corner of New Zealand, including Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands.

The trophy will then head to Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Papua New Guinea and the Cook Islands, and will form part of Rugby World Cup 2021’s ‘Championing Oceania’ programme to grow and support women and girls’ rugby in the islands. 

Rugby World Cup 2021 Trophy Tour (2022) Highlights

• Trophy Tour offers a chance to see the trophy, take part in rugby activities, learn about the women’s game and meet women’s rugby stars!
• Part of ‘Leverage and Legacy Programme’ to inspire the next generation and celebrate the history of women’s rugby in the South Pacific.
• RWC 2021 and Principal Charity Partner, ChildFund celebrate the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace on 6 April 2022.

International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) 2022

The Trophy Tour launch falls on the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) and “presents an opportunity to recognise the positive role sport and physical activity can play in communities across the globe” said the RWC organisers.

RWC 2021 Principal Charity Partner, ChildFund (and ChildFund Rugby) is currently working to provide vulnerable women and girls in New Zealand and Oceania with the opportunities to learn new life skills to overcome challenges and become active leaders in their communities. 

As part of raising awareness for ChildFund Rugby and collecting donations, Ron Rutland and Adam Nunn with DHL Rugby are on a cycle journey from Japan to New Zealand for the Rugby World Cup 2021 to deliver the whistle for the opening match at Eden Park.

Photo Credit: World Rugby – (L-R) Ron Rutland and Adam Nunn

(Editors Note – We will be speaking to the duo later in April 2022 to hear about their journey thus far and their ambitions for the trip.)

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