Travel Daily | Emirates Flies Webb Ellis Cup into Brisbane

The iconic Trophy was accompanied by former Australian Rugby Union players Dan Crowley, Rod McCall and Tim Horan at an intimate cocktail function hosted by the Emirates-sponsored Queensland Rugby Club on Thursday.

The memorable event was held in the Emirates Benefactor Lounge at the Queensland Rugby Club and gave guests the chance to view the Cup up close and see what the nation will be shouting for come September.

“Our partnership with Rugby World Cup 2011 is testament to Emirates’ commitment to first-class sporting events, and it is an honour to be able to support the sport of Rugby Union through this sponsorship and others around the world, said Barry Brown, Emirates Vice President Australasia.

“I am proud that we can help share in the spirit of this great game with Queensland rugby fans by providing them with a chance to see the iconic Cup that will be presented to the winning team on Sunday 23rd October,” added Barry Brown.

“As part of our ongoing sponsorship with Emirates Airline, it is a pleasure to host the Rugby World Cup Trophy at the Queensland Rugby Club, and we look forward to showcasing the Cup to visitors to the Club, commented Bill Brassington, Queensland Rugby Club Spokesperson.

The Webb Ellis Cup, made of sterling silver, gilded in gold, is the Holy Grail for the rugby world. It is named after a student of England’s Rugby School, William Webb Ellis, who legend has it, picked up a soccer ball and ran with it in 1823, giving rise to the game of Rugby Union we know today. The International Rugby Board commissioned the Webb Ellis Cup for the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.

Pictured is: Barry Brown, Tim Horan, Dan Crowley and Don Stewart with the Webb Ellis Cup at the Queensland Rugby Club on Thursday.