Thousands flock to see European Rugby trophies
The two major European rugby trophies have completed a recent three-week tour of the region which took in over 50 events where 130,000 people were present.
During the Newcastle 2019 Trophies Tour the Heineken Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup travelled 2,057 miles and visited a range of rugby clubs, schools, businesses, events and sporting occasions throughout the region. The tour stretched from the Scottish Borders in the north down to Teesside in the south and across to Carlisle in the west.
Highlights of the tour included a trip to RAF Boulmer in Northumberland, official mascot Stephen the Seahorse becoming a fireman for the day at Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and the trophies being present at major sporting fixtures at Newcastle United FC, Middlesbrough FC, Newcastle Eagles basketball, Newcastle Falcons’ Big One and the Melrose Sevens.
The Trophies Tour was supported by Go North East who transported the trophies, staff and volunteers in a fully-branded bus.
Fans have been sharing their photos with the trophies, and over 100 tickets to the European Rugby Challenge Cup Final on Friday 10 May at St James’ Park have been won. Organisers are giving fans one last chance to win tickets – simply post your photo from the Trophies Tour to Twitter or Instagram using #Newcastle2019TrophiesTour to be in with a chance of winning a pair of the remaining tickets.
Mick Hogan, Newcastle 2019 event director, said: “We had an amazing number of requests from the region to host the trophies and we ended up with a great blend of events, both within the rugby community and those new to the sport.
“We’d like to thank Go North East for their magnificent support during the tour and helping us to spread the word about the European Rugby Finals.
“By engaging with tens of thousands of people, the Newcastle 2019 Trophies Tour further raised awareness of the forthcoming finals weekend on the 10-11 May. Tens of thousands of supporters are expected to attend the two games at St James’ Park for what promises to be the greatest weekend of 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 very few tickets available for sale. Tickets to the European Rugby Challenge Cup final are also selling quickly, with tickets available by [**clicking here**][1].
[1]: https://book.nufc.co.uk/en-GB/categories/newcastle%202019%20rugby
