THE COUNTDOWN to the Rugby World Cup is underway and Jaguar Land Rover welcomed the world famous Webb Ellis Cup when it made a surprise appearance at the Solihull plant.
During the Midlands leg of the 100 day tour of the UK and Ireland, JLR employees were delighted as the Webb Ellis Cup was driven through the Lode Lane plant by rugby legend Sir Clive Woodward, in the Rugby World Cup 2015 Defender, a bespoke 110 Defender Station Wagon, built at Solihull.
Thousands of employees saw the coveted Trophy up close and met Sir Clive who was reunited with the Webb Ellis Cup, which he lifted with the England team on that memorable night in Sydney in 2003.
He said taking the Rugby World Cup 2015 Defender back to Solihull where the famous vehicle’s story began was a real privilege.
He added: “It was great to see the impressive facilities and meet the JLR employees who clearly can’t wait for the tournament to kick off.
“I still get a rush holding the Webb Ellis Cup and I’m glad they were able to get close to it as well.
“It’s clear from all the excitement that a love for rugby runs right through the heart of the business, especially the team in Solihull.”
The Trophy also stopped off at Jaguar Land Rover’s Research and Development Centre at Gaydon, where a group of 300 employees attended a specially hosted audience with the Rugby World Cup 2003 winning Head Coach.
After visiting Solihull, the Rugby World Cup 2015 Defender will continue to transport the Webb Ellis Cup on its tour of the UK, stopping off at locations and events around the country.
The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour covers the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland over a 100 day period which began on June 10 and will arrive at Twickenham on September 18 ahead of the Opening Ceremony.
