Get your hands on a RWC2015 ball

A limited edition set of official Rugby World Cup 2015 Exeter Host City Rugby balls have today gone on sale.

The Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership is making 250 Rugby balls available, with a set of 12 being donated to local charities, and the rest being sold to raise funds to help promote Exeter to encourage tourism in the build up to next year’s Tournament.

Once the balls, priced at £25 each, are sold, no more will be available to buy.

Derek Phillips, chairman of the Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership, said: “We’re getting ready to welcome Rugby fans and the world to the Heart of Devon. Offering official Rugby World Cup 2015 Exeter Host City Rugby balls is a great way to let Rugby fans, sport clubs, businesses, community groups and charities show their support and get involved.

“Working with Visit Devon, Visit England, England Rugby 2015 and Exeter City Council, our aim is for as many people as possible across the South West, the UK and beyond to know that Rugby is just one brilliant element of a fantastic package that we can offer visitors and tourists here in the wonderful Heart of Devon.”

The Rugby balls can be ordered via a form available on the Heart of Devon website www.heartofdevon.com/rugbyworldcup and are also on sale at the Exeter Visitor Information and Ticket Centre at Dix’s Field, Exeter, EX1 1GF. The centre is also selling official Rugby World Cup 2015 merchandise and clothing.

Charities interested in applying for a Rugby ball earmarked for fundraising purposes should contact victoria.hatfield@exeter.gov.uk

The three Rugby World Cup 2015 matches being played at Sandy Park are:

Tonga v Namibia - September 29, 2015
Namibia v Georgia - October 7, 2015
Italy v Romania - October 11, 2015

Exeter City Council will be operating a Fanzone celebrating Rugby World Cup 2015 showing matches on a big screen at Northernhay Gardens in the city centre, during the Tournament itself, dates of opening to be confirmed.

The Heart of Devon Tourism Partnership and Exeter City Council is working with Visit Devon, Visit England and England 2015 on a wide range of initiatives to promote the area over the next 12 months.