Rugby World Cup Visits the United Nations

The Webb Ellis Cup was the star attraction at a special Rugby event at the United Nations in New York this morning.

With 150 days to go until Rugby World Cup 2011 kicks off in New Zealand, Rugby's ultimate prize was presented to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon by International Rugby Board Chairman Bernard Lapasset.

Ambassadors representing the 20 Rugby World Cup 2011 participating nations, including UN Development Programme Administrator and former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, and members of the USA Eagles were also in attendance. The event recognised Rugby's ability to drive social change and celebrated Rugby World Cup's partnership with the UN World Food Programme.

“Like the United Nations we have long recognised sport’s wider responsibility to society and its ability to drive social change. Sport can cross barriers. Sport boosts self esteem. Sport promotes inclusivity. Sport creates communities and sport can capture the hearts and minds of men, women and children around the world,” said Lapasset in his address to the UN.

“We are proud as Rugby grows across every continent that the sport’s strong values of teamwork, integrity, discipline, respect and passion still make a real difference in modern society."

“The Webb Ellis Cup is a symbol of the power of sport to drive social change. In the hands of Nelson Mandela in 1995 it helped unite a nation. We hope that it will continue to inspire future generations to participate, to express themselves and to have fun.”

Lapasset also underlined Rugby’s continued support of the United Nations World Food Programme, which has been associated with Rugby’s showcase tournament since the 2003 event in Australia. The partnership has raised awareness of the Programme, drawing attention to the plight of the world's hungry.

“Our long-standing partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme is important to us ... we share the same values,” continued Lapasset.

With Rugby now the sport of choice for over five million people around the world and with participation growing in emerging Rugby markets such as the USA, where it is the third-fastest growing sport, China, Russia and Brazil, Lapasset said the IRB and its 117 Member Unions were united in the common goal of sport for all.

“By working with our National Federations and your member nations, we will continue to grow the Game worldwide so that more men, women, boys and girls can experience the positive, joyful and inclusive values of sport.”

Ki-moon added: “I love to watch Rugby. I may not be much of a player ... but I am a huge fan of the International Rugby Board. The IRB has been working with the United Nations World Food Programme to help address world hunger. For seven years, through the Tackle Hunger programme, you have raised awareness and funds that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”

“Rugby is a popular sport that promotes health, teamwork and friendship. In these difficult times, when people are struggling with poverty ... conflict ... sometimes both ... Rugby can offer a chance for joy and fun.”

Further Information:

Dominic Rumbles, IRB head of Communications, +353 868 520 826, email dominic.rumbles@irb.com