World Cup to come here

WHEN Jonny Wilkinson drew back his right boot, a nation held its breath, only to release it in a scream of joy moments later as the ball sailed between the posts. Some 14.5 million people in the British Isles watched captain Martin Johnson lift the World Cup after that thrilling, last-minute 20-17 victory.

Now the dazzling, golden William Webb Ellis Trophy is coming to Guernsey.

And it could be accompanied by two of Sir Clive Woodward's world-beating squad.

The visit is part of the four-month Sweet Chariot Tour organised by the Rugby Football Union that is taking the trophy to its 35 English constituent bodies.

Guernsey is included next month thanks to its affiliation with Hampshire and the organisers of the leg expect to confirm soon the details of the players' visit.

The leg will start with a civic reception hosted by the Barings Guernsey Group at its Trafalgar Court premises between 6.15pm and 8pm on Tuesday 6 April. Present will be Lt-Governor Sir John Foley, patron of the local branch of the Wooden Spoon Society, official charity of the tour. The cup is due to arrive in the island by Royal Navy helicopter earlier that evening.

After the reception, there will be a dinner at the OGH while the following day the trophy will be on display to the public at the Garenne Stand until its departure at 1.30pm.

That Wednesday, Foote's Lane hosts the Investec secondary schools seven-a-side competition and tag rugby for primary schools.

Barings, a financial supporter of the Guernsey Mini/Youth rugby Club, is also donating balls to the club.

'As a supporter of youth rugby for a number of years, we are privileged to host the reception to welcome the World Cup trophy,' said Mark Huntley, the Baring Financial Services Group head of business development.

'The World Cup victory was a memorable event in English sporting history and a tremendous achievement and I am sure many people will want to see the trophy and join the celebrations.'