THE AMBASSADOR of Argentina was the guest of honour when the birthplace of the game hosted its own miniature Rugby World Cup.
Ambassador Renato Carlos Sersale di Cerisano visited Rugby to attend the Rugby World Cup Schools Tag Rugby tournament, which brought together 160 schoolchildren from 16 borough primary schools at St Andrew’s Rugby Club.
Each team represented a nation competing in Japan, allowing the schools to learn more about the culture, customs and history of the countries taking part.
Organiser Nigel Higgs, a teacher at St Marie’s Catholic Primary School, asked MP Mark Pawsey to contact the embassies of all the countries represented, requesting promotional material which the schools could use – and Ambassador Cerisano responded by attending in person, alongside Mr Pawsey and Mayor Bill Lewis.
He said: “Rugby is a superb sport and it was great to see it played in the town of Rugby, where the sport was born. I really enjoyed participating in the tournament.
“On behalf of Argentina, a rugby country itself, I give my thanks to Mark Pawsey MP and Mayor Bill Lewis for having me on this wonderful journey.”
Mr Higgs thanked all the teachers, pupils and schools who took part, as well as Wasps Premiership rugby stars Tom West and Theo Vukasinovic who were on hand to give tips to the referee and the children taking part.
He added: “It was wonderful to see the children with their flags, banners, drums and faces painted and everyone enjoying the atmosphere of the competition.
“The standard of Rugby was excellent, and all the children should be proud of their achievements.”
He congratulated Dunchurch Boughton Junior School who, representing Italy, were the overall winners, winning the final against St Marie’s who represented France.
Both teams were invited to watch Wasps take on London Irish later this month at Coventry’s Ricoh Arena.
Mr Pawsey said: “Sport is such a great way to bring people together and I think it’s brilliant that in the birthplace of the game, local school children have had this opportunity to play the game and learn more about the nations taking part.
“It was really obvious just how much the youngsters were enjoying themselves, but also how much good teamwork and sportsmanship was encouraged by all those taking part.
“Special thanks also should go to Nigel Higgs, who has worked tirelessly to organise this competition for every Rugby World Cup since 1999. I know that it is a highlight for all the schools and children taking part and it was great to see such a positive atmosphere on the day.”
The Ambassador joined Mayor Bill Lewis for a tour of the World Rugby Hall of Fame.
The Ambassador also joined Coun Lewis on a tour of the World Rugby Hall of Fame, which counts Argentinian legends Hugo Porta, Agustin Pichot and Felipe Contepomi among its inductees.
Coun Lewis said: “It was a pleasure to meet the Argentine ambassador. We enjoyed a great day celebrating rugby in the birthplace of the game, and I’d like to congratulate St Marie’s Catholic Primary School for organising such a fantastic tournament.”
