Land Rover embarked on the first leg of a 100 day tour of the UK and Ireland, organised by England Rugby 2015 in the lead up to the Rugby World Cup 2015.
Seven local schools were invited to Highland RFC to not only develop their skills in a grassroots rugby festival, but also have the opportunity to be part of the highly anticipated global Tournament, which kicks off in September.
Youngsters aged between seven and 13-years-old were given the chance of winning a Rugby World Cup 2015 mascot place by undertaking one of three challenges. These included giving a passionate rendition of a Rugby World Cup team’s national anthem, offering some words of inspiration and advice to one of the nation’s captains, or telling Land Rover how they would welcome a visiting Rugby World Cup nation to England for the Tournament.
All mascot auditions will be reviewed by a panel of judges, including Rugby World Cup 2003 winners Lewis Moody and Jason Robinson. Land Rover ambassador, Kelly Brown, also attended the grassroots festival to pass on his advice to the aspiring young players; “For Land Rover to give youngsters the chance to become a mascot for Rugby World Cup 2015 is incredibly special and a once in a life time opportunity for the lucky few who get selected. It is fitting that Land Rover has chosen grassroots rugby to find the majority of these mascots. The next generation of players can’t fail to be inspired.”
The rising stars were also able to catch a glimpse of the coveted Webb Ellis Cup during the grassroots festival, before it departed the Scottish Highlands for the remainder of the 100 day UK and Ireland tour. Land Rover ambassador, Kelly Brown, joined the Webb Ellis Cup in the Rugby World Cup 2015 Defender, taking in a scenic drive to Glasgow for the next leg of the tour, passing through the shores of Loch Ness and the foothills of Ben Nevis.