A NEW piece of public art celebrating Rugby’s iconic status as the birthplace of the game has been unveiled ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Raising The Trophy – created by environmental artist Tony Davies – was commissioned by Rugby Borough Council to celebrate England hosting the tournament, which kicks-off on Friday (August 22) when the Red Roses take on the USA at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.
The wire sculpture, which features a pair of women’s rugby players raising the Women’s Rugby World Cup, has been installed on the town centre’s gyratory system island, opposite the statue of William Webb Ellis in Dunchurch Road.
The sculpture follows in the footsteps of The Pass, The Kick and The Tackle – a hat-trick of sculptures commissioned for the men’s Rugby World Cup in 2015 – and The Try, which was commissioned to mark the bicentenary of rugby union in 2023.
Coun Neil Sandison, Rugby Borough Council’s Liberal Democrat group spokesperson for partnerships and wellbeing, said: “All five sculptures are in high-profile locations in the town centre where both visitors and residents can marvel at the unique skills of both the artist and the players, reflecting the heritage of Rugby.”
Coun Maggie O’Rourke, Rugby Borough Council’s spokesperson for partnerships and wellbeing, said the council was delighted to mark the start of the Women’s Rugby World Cup by unveiling the new sculpture.
She added: “With England the hosts and tournament favourites, fingers crossed the Red Roses can raise the trophy at the end of the Women’s Rugby World Cup – but in the meantime, we’re all looking forward to Friday’s opening game when England face the USA.”
The council has organised a free event in Caldecott Park on Friday (August 22) where families can watch the Red Roses take on the USA on a big screen at 7.30pm.
The event starts at 4pm and includes free rugby activities, inflatables and street performers, together with stalls, and food and drink.
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