Rugby World Cup Legacy Hopes in Newcastle

Strategic Insights -

England's sporting stars, including Caity Mattinson and Alex Westgarth, believe that hosting the Rugby World Cup in Newcastle will leave a lasting legacy for the North East region. With only 61 days to go until the tournament begins, Mattinson and Westgarth hope that the event will inspire more young people to take up the sport and make the region more aware of its existence. The North East is not typically known for its rugby culture, but the duo is confident that the tournament will change this perception.

Key Takeaways:

  • Caity Mattinson, captain of the England under 20s side, hopes that the Rugby World Cup will make people more aware of the sport and inspire more young people to get involved.
  • Alex Westgarth, a leadership and management student, believes that the tournament will have a lasting legacy in the area, with more people following rugby and taking part in local club rugby in the next few years.
  • The visit of the Web Ellis Cup to Northumbria University was met with excitement from Mattinson and Westgarth, who see the tournament as an opportunity to promote the sport and encourage more young people to get involved.
  • David Davies, former Wasps and Edinburgh managing director, acknowledges the possible benefits of the competition, including increased cultural engagement and economic benefits.
  • The Scottish fans' visit to Newcastle is expected to bring a cultural element to the tournament, which will be beneficial for the city.

Statistics:

  • 61 days until the Rugby World Cup begins in Newcastle.
  • England's Rugby World Cup-winning team in 2003 inspired a family friend of Alex Westgarth to take up rugby, and now his sons both play the sport.
  • At one time, former Northumbria students were in charge of three of the twelve top-level sides in England.
  • The Rugby World Cup is expected to have a lasting legacy in Newcastle, with more people following rugby and taking part in local club rugby.

Sources:

  • "England sport stars hope hosting the Rugby World Cup in Newcastle will leave a lasting legacy for the North East." Michael Brown, Byline.
  • On Monday, the Trophy Tour continues, with visits to the Angel of the North in Gateshead, Durham's Palace Green, the Barnard Castle Festival of Rugby, and West Hartlepool RFC.