The organisers of the 2019 European Club Rugby Finals to be held in Newcastle are well into their three-week, 50-event tour which sees the two trophies visit venues, events and organisations across the North East, Cumbria and the Scottish Borders.
The Newcastle 2019 Trophies Tour sees the Heineken Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup silverware visit rugby clubs, schools, businesses, public events, major sporting occasions and community groups from Berwick and the Scottish Borders in the north of the region, to Middlesbrough and Yarm in the south, over to Carlisle in the west and all points in between.
The Trophies Tour is supported by Go North East who have supplied a fully branded bus to transport the two trophies, staff, volunteers and the official mascot Stephen the Seahorse to all events between 22 March 14 April.
In total the trophies will be present at 12 schools, 11 rugby clubs, 11 community/public events, five businesses and major sporting fixtures at Newcastle United FC, Middlesbrough FC, Newcastle Eagles basketball, Newcastle Falcons and the Melrose Sevens.
Commenting on the Newcastle 2019 Trophies Tour the event director for the finals, Mick Hogan, said: “We were overwhelmed with the requests from the region for the trophies to be present at so many venues and events.
“We believe we have confirmed a great blend of events that recognises the rugby community as well as giving the opportunity to showcase the trophies to a wider non-rugby audience.
“The Newcastle 2019 Trophies Tour will further raise awareness for the forthcoming finals weekend on the 10-11 May when over 80,000 supporters are expected to attend the two games at St James’ Park.
“We’d like to thank Go North East for their magnificent support of the Tour. By taking the trophies out across the region they are helping us engage with an anticipated 25,000 people and build the excitement for the what promises to be the greatest weekend in rugby.”
The Heineken Champions Cup final on Saturday 11 May is the fastest-selling final in the competition’s history, and at present there are no tickets available for sale. Tickets to the European Rugby Challenge Cup final are selling quickly, and are available from www.epcrugby.com.
Already underway, the trophies tour continues at a number of venues throughout April.