A SPRING clean of the pathway of fame is underway in preparation for this autumn’s Rugby World Cup.
The pathway’s 50 bronze plaques – commemorating great players and defining moments in the history of the sport – have been removed and returned to the foundry where they were made for repairs, cleaning and a polish, ready to be relaid later this year.
Rugby Borough Council leader Coun Michael Stokes and Visitor Centre manager Simon Gardner lifted the first plaque – fittingly featuring William Webb Ellis – with the help of council workmen.
Coun Stokes said: “The pathway has been very popular with residents and visitors to the birthplace of the game ever since it was laid, and it has been a great way to show people around our town.
“Some of the plaques need repairing, so we’re taking the opportunity to refresh all 50 plaques and look at the best places to put them.
“The town centre has developed since the pathway was first laid, so when it comes to putting them back we will make sure that they show the best that the town has to offer.”
A new guide to the pathway of fame, telling the story behind each plaque, will be available once it has been relaid.
The newest plaque, commemorating the England Women’s World Cup winning rugby team, was unveiled in December but will not be laid until the others have been refurbished.
The pathway of fame was installed in 1999.
