World Cup to light up town centre switch on

Tuesday 6th November 2012

Story in brief:
UP FOR THE CUP: Get your photo taken with the Rugby League World Cup trophy when it visits Rochdale on Saturday 17 November.

The Rugby League World Cup trophy is heading to Rochdale during its tour of England, Wales and France.

The impressive £500,000 silver-plated trophy will be in pride of place at the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre on Saturday 17 November and later that day will take to the stage as part of the Christmas Lights Switch On.

The Rugby League World Cup will be on display on the Upper Mall in the Wheatsheaf Shopping Centre for fans to have their picture taken with the trophy from 2pm - 4pm.

Mark Wynn Chairman of Rochdale Hornets said:

"It's an honour to see this famous trophy come to Rochdale in 2012 and also very appropriate seeing as we will be hosting a RLWC2013 game next year."

The Group A match between Fiji and Ireland is scheduled to take place at Spotland Stadium on 28 October 2013.  And Fiji will be Rochdale's adopted nation for the duration of the tournament.

Wheatsheaf Centre Manager Martin Ballard said:

"After being the main club sponsor for Rochdale Hornets for the last 3 years, it is great to see the club and the town rewarded with a big role in RLWC2013, and the chance to have the celebrated trophy on show is a great opportunity which I'm sure will bring rugby league fans along from all over the borough and beyond."

Tickets starting at just £10 (£5 concessions) are available to purchase for all games and via various special packages at www.rlwc2013.com or phone 0844 847 2013. They are also available in person from the Rochdale Hornets office.

Earlier in the day the trophy will visit Rochdale Cobras in Firgrove and Mayfield Mustangs Rugby Club in Castleton.

The World Cup will join a host of guests for the switch on event which starts at 4.30pm with a Lantern Parade from the top of Yorkshire Street down to The Butts. Other highlights confirmed include stars from the cast of ‘Dick Whittington' which opens at the Middleton Arena in November.