The iconic Rugby World Cup trophy was placed centre stage in High Wycombe at the weekend as shoppers and residents were given a glimpse of the golden sporting prize.

Sports fans were offered the rare treat of being able to see and have their picture taken next to the trophy, which the likes of Lawrence Dallaglio, Johnny Wilkinson and Martin Johnson have previously lifted.

The excited crowds eagerly gathered inside the Eden Shopping Centre awaiting the arrival of the Webb Ellis Cup on Saturday morning, less than a month before the 2015 tournament kicks-off at Twickenham.

Promoting the occasion alongside Buckinghamshire Rugby Football Union was Leap, the Sport and Activity Partnership for Bucks.

Leap Director and the RFU’s legacy lead for Buckinghamshire, Mark Ormerod, said: “It was fantastic that so many people turned out to see the Rugby World Cup trophy in High Wycombe on Saturday.

“The queues were 50 strong throughout the two hour trophy visit and those who patiently waited were rewarded with their moment of glory, being snapped with the iconic trophy.

“With local rugby clubs on hand, visitors were also encouraged to head down to their local club to give this exciting sport a try.

“I’m delighted that the Webb Ellis World Cup Trophy Tour has inspired local residents, it marks another exciting milestone towards the start of the Rugby World Cup.”

Bucks Free Press:

High Wycombe Rugby Club was involved in organising for the trophy to come to the town as part of the 100-day countdown tour and director of rugby, Michael Banton, described it as a “brilliant occasion”.

He said: “We were the lead rugby club from the town there on the day and it was great to see so many of our juniors, ladies and seniors involved on Saturday.

“It was a brilliant occasion and good to see so many people there.”

The trophy toured Buckinghamshire across the weekend, with the trophy also being displayed in Milton Keynes, Aylesbury and Stoke Mandeville.

The Rugby World Cup will officially start when England play Fiji at Twickenham on September 18.