THE Rugby World Cup trophy paid a flying visit to Colchester as part of its summer tour.

The Webb Ellis Cup was delivered to Colchester Rugby Club in Mill Road when the Red Devils parachute display team kicked-off an evening of events at the club, attended by Colchester MP Will Quince.

The arrival formed part of a visit to the eastern counties during the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour, prior to the tournament itself getting under way in England next month.

The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour launched on June 10, 100 days before the opening match and is travelling through Scotland, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Wales and England.

Its final destination will be Twickenham on September 18, ahead of the opening ceremony before England take on Fiji.

On Tuesday the trophy started its eastern journey on the road at Lowestoft and Yarmouth RFC and travelled to Ipswich to a statue of Prince Alexander Obolensky, an icon of English rugby.

It parachuted on to Colchester Rugby Club’s fields around 5pm.

Richard Howitt, MEP for the East of England, is helping to promote the tour of the iconic trophy.

He said: “Being part of the Rugby World Cup is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I’m delighted fans and families will have the opportunity to experience World Cup fever for themselves.

“All that will be left to do afterwards is cheer on the rugby players as they aim to keep the trophy in England after the tournament.”