The borough is close to the action next autumn at Twickenham
Hounslow Council has announced that it has been awarded 'Proud Host' status for Rugby World Cup 2015, hosted in England and Cardiff between 18 September and 31 October 2015.
Hounslow Council join the town of Rugby and organisations such as Visit England with their Proud Host status, providing them with an official Tournament association.
As Proud Hosts, Hounslow Council will be part of nationwide Tournament initiatives including the City Dressing programme and the Domestic Trophy Tour, for which full details will be announced in the coming months, as well as the wider Tournament build up and delivery.
With Twickenham Stadium on the borough boundary, Hounslow residents will be close to the action when it hosts 10 matches during the Tournament in September and October. The council is eager to help local people get Involved in the celebration of Rugby and inform and update members of the community on all the Tournament plans that will impact and provide opportunities for local residents and businesses.
Leader of the council, Councillor Steve Curran, explains: "A Rugby World Cup is one of the biggest sporting events in the world and with 10 of the matches staged at Twickenham Stadium, we want to ensure we can support delivery of the Tournament in the local area whilst using the Tournament to supercharge participation in sports, boost local business and make sure residents experience the excitement".
The council has launched free rugby coaching for young people over half term and expects to capitalise on the Tournament throughout the run-up in sports development and in schools. A number of business events are planned to help local companies benefit from the influx of visitors. And, at the end of March, the council will announce a series of events celebrating Rugby throughout the borough, including the Trophy Tour in September.
Chief Executive of England Rugby 2015, Debbie Jevans, said: “With Hounslow on the doorstep of Twickenham Stadium, they will be right at heart of the Tournament and we are delighted that they have become Proud Hosts. We look forward to working with Hounslow Council and the local community to ensure that everyone can be a part of this nationwide celebration of Rugby.”
Ends
February 19, 2015,