A NEW piece of public art has been unveiled as Rugby welcomes thousands of visitors to the home of the game.
The Kick, a wire sculpture of a rugby player preparing to kick for goal, was designed by environmental artist David Gosling in readiness for the town’s Rugby World Cup celebrations.
Gosling, who also made the wire donkey sculptures which stand in the paddock at the bottom of Newbold Road, was commissioned by Rugby Borough Council to create three new pieces to celebrate the borough’s status as the birthplace of the game.
Working with fellow environmental artist Tony Davies, Gosling’s The Pass, which stands on the Whitehall Road roundabout, was unveiled in July, while The Kick now takes pride of place on the Coventry Road roundabout which links to the Western Relief Road.
The sculptor’s final new work, The Tackle, is to be unveiled on the Leicester Road before the Rugby World Cup kicks-off tomorrow (Friday 18 September).
The statues form part of a council programme of enhancements for the borough, which includes new street furniture, solar-powered street bins and the introduction of free wi-fi in the town centre.
The programme also includes new ‘Welcome to Rugby’ signs across the borough to greet visitors to the birthplace of the game.
Coun Michael Stokes, leader of the borough council, said: “With just a day to go before the tournament kicks-off at Twickenham, we’re ready to welcome thousands of rugby fans making the pilgrimage to the birthplace of the game.
“The enhancement programme and our official Rugby World Cup status as the Proud Home of the game has transformed the borough, demonstrating the council’s commitment to making the most of the opportunities the tournament brings to Rugby.
“The programme also creates a lasting legacy for residents, ensuring we have a home to be proud of long after the tournament has come to an end.”
