RUGBY’S place as home of the game will be vital in its economic recovery after the pandemic.
So says borough councillor Tim Douglas who has written to World Rugby chairman Sir Bill Beaumont urging the organisation to maintain its investment in the World Rugby Hall of Fame which opened in the town in 2016.
The museum celebrating the history of rugby union – from the moment where legend has it William Webb Ellis picked up the ball during a school football match at Rugby School in 1823 – attracts fans from across the globe.
Coun Douglas, said: “As the local area recovers from coronavirus, tourism sites such as the World Rugby Hall of Fame will play a key role in our economic recovery.
“Whether it is online or offline information and attractions, Rugby needs to maximise its offerings to help the town recover.”
In a letter to the legendary former England captain, Lib Dem Coun Douglas said he believed more could be done to bring people to the birthplace of the sport.
“As a former national league rugby union player and now a local councillor, I understand the social value that the sport of rugby union can b,ring to individuals and communities. To this end, I have always been supportive of World Rugby having the Hall of Fame in our town. It is a key attraction and one which celebrates the birth of the game and gives us the status the town deserves.
“Rugby and Warwickshire are a hotbed of the game both at a local and national level.
“As we move into the recovery phase in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, I believe that the Hall of Fame, whether it be online or as a visitor attraction, can and must play a key role in tourism and our economic recovery.
“I believe that further work can be done to maximise this offering through local clubs, touring sides and linking up with larger local destinations with Rugby being less than an hour travel from London and Birmingham.
“I hope that World Rugby will continue to work with Rugby Borough Council and ensure this tourism and historic attraction plays a key part in the town’s future.”
