EXETER CATHEDRAL was among the venues across England chosen to host opening ceremonies for the Women’s Rugby World Cup, which kicks off this Friday evening.
The French and Italian teams processed into the cathedral for their ceremony on Saturday, where they were officially welcomed and presented with commemorative caps. Also in the procession were the Bishop of Exeter, Dr Mike Harrison, the Dean, the Very Revd Jonathan Greener, the Lord Mayor, Cllr Ann Jobson, and members of the Exeter Chiefs women’s team.
The teams were greeted with cheers and applause from hundreds of invited representatives of women’s and girls’ rugby teams from across the region. The French and Italian captains made speeches thanking the people of Exeter for their welcome and looking forward to the start of the tournament, which this year is being hosted in England.
France and Italy, who will be based in Exeter for the month-long tournament, are due to play each other at Sandy Park this Saturday.
Exeter CathedralThe Italian team outside the cathedral
The Bishop and the Dean were each presented with a commemorative World Cup rugby ball by the Lord Mayor. Dean Greener said: “I’m thrilled to have hosted the opening ceremony for the Women’s Rugby World Cup. It’s the first time in 975 years that the cathedral has ever hosted a world cup event, so that’s a huge excitement and joy and privilege for us all.”
The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Revd Moira Astin, who was also at the event, said: “When I was in my teens and twenties no one could even contemplate that women would be allowed to play rugby.
“It’s so wonderful to see women fulfilling their potential in rugby as well as in other sports. I think we are finding those who said women would not be as good as men are eating their words. It’s good that girls are getting to see that sport is for them.”
The other venues to host the World Cup this year are in Brighton and Hove, Bristol, London, Manchester, Northampton, Sunderland, and York.
The official opening show is being held in the O2 arena. England are due to play the US in the first match at 7.30 p.m. on Friday evening. The final is due to take place on Saturday 27 September.