Rugby
Returns To The
Nation Of Its Birth
For the second time in Rugby's history, the
world-wide played Sport formally returned to the land of its birth when the
Country of England - in the
role of Tournament Host - graciously welcomed Nations from around the world to London's Twickenham Stadium to officially begin the 8th World Cup in a brief but
powerful Opening Ceremony that took place on Friday, September the 18th, 2015.
The exciting, twenty minute-long event began very
naturally with the succinct film dramatization of how this beloved pastime was
created at the now-world-famous Rugby School, in 1823.
William Webb Ellis, portrayed very well in deed by 14-year-old English Actor, Edward Anthony, was, of course, "present" to showcase his "fine disregard for the rules of Football", "as played in his time", when he first elected to run with the game's ball towards the opposite goal, rather than kick it.
The newly named "Rugby" ball was then
passed down through the decades and multiple Schools representatively by the
capable hands of various Rugby Greats, displaying the Sport's rapidly-growing popularity throughout Great Britain.
At length, the ball is returned to "the Father
of Rugby" (Ellis) in London, England,
just outside Twickenham Stadium, who then kicks the well-worn leather
ball skyward in a mile-high kick toward the reaches of space. The ball then
begins its highly-anticipated descent to Billy's cabbage Patch, landing squarely in the center of Twickenham field, and leaving in
its wake a most impressive crater, from which arises the
passionately-cheered-on "Rugby
Players"
The excitement continues, and quickly grows, as the “Rugby
Players” begin to peel back the layers that make up the exterior of the
enormous, worn, leather ball of old to reveal an all-new, Gilbert-crafted,
rubber-made and equally ginormous 2015 Rugby ball that has been resting
quietly underneath the apparent chaos.
A well-versed singing out of "The World In
Union" by British star, Laura
Wright, and an unnamed but vastly-talented boy, is then witnessed as the "Rugby Players"
continue to work together to strip away the final layer of the
ceremonial ball, revealing the soon-to-be-much-sought-after William Webb Ellis Cup, subsequently retrieved by none other than William Webb Ellis himself (as played
by Anthony) who then places
the golden Cup on a ceremonial stand that has been most prestigiously erected
center stage.
The well-received Ceremonial production also included more than a few, startle-inducing cameos, including game legends Jonny
Wilkinson, Sir Clive Woodward,
Will Greenwood, Jason Leonard, Bill Beaumont, and the former
Coach of Scotland and the British Lions, Sir Ian McGeechan.
Also making a brief appearance in the Ceremony's pre-film was none other
than Prince Harry - playing
the role of Gardener - at the Rugby School of 1823, who humorously declares to
fellow Gardener, Jonny Wilkinson, upon witnessing Ellis' fateful escapades, "Don't
worry, Jonny, that'll never take off!"
A surreal event, to say the least, which gave proper
cause for much cheer and excitement.
Prince Harry also made a live
appearance in his official role as Honorary President of England Rugby 2015 on center stage in the midst of
Twickenham field, for a rousing speech to the capacity-packed Stadium of 82,000 fans, including the smiling faces of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (bedecked very appropriately
in matching shades of Royal Blue), competing Nations, Players, and Fellow
Countrymen, of this globally-shared event:
"Welcome to Twickenham, to England 2015, and to
the 8th Rugby World Cup. This evening
marks the beginning of a celebration of rugby which I hope will inspire current
players, those new to the game and future generations. There will be moments in this World Cup which
will live with us for the rest of our lives. Who could forget 1995 and
President Mandela handing The Webb Ellis Cup to Francois Pienaar, or that Drop
kick in 2003?
To all the players, we
congratulate you and wish you well for the tournament. Your individual skill is
to be celebrated; but, I can think of no other sport where the success of the
team is shouldered so equally by everyone.
Rugby has changed dramatically in my lifetime. But it remains a game
founded on a code of values. Values which are as important today - both on and
off the field of play - as they have ever been. Across the country, regardless
of age, background or belief, this nation, which gave rugby to the world in 1823, will join together and celebrate the game like never before.
In six weeks' time, one team will take its
place in history. It's up to every one of us, to raise the roof on each match in this unforgettable journey. The players have earned it, the Nations deserve
it and the fans expect it. We're ready
... Game on!"
Game on indeed.
Following his speech, and a few more ceremonial tie-ups, the long-awaited Rugby World Cup, 2015, officially got under way with the Tournament's Inaugural Test Match: England vs. Fiji.
