- Title: Cyclists deliver World Cup whistle in Tokyo after 20,000 kilometre journey
- Date: 19th September 2019
- Summary: TOKYO, JAPAN (SEPTEMBER 19, 2019) (REUTERS) CYCLISTS RON RUTLAND AND JAMES OWENS CYCLING INTO TOKYO STADIUM AND WAVING AT END OF 20,000 KM JOURNEY FROM LONDON JAMES OWENS SMILING MEDIA SURROUNDING CYCLISTS AND NIGEL OWENS, REFEREE FOR OPENING MATCH OF RUGBY WORLD CUP BETWEEN JAPAN AND RUSSIA RUTLAND MAKING SPEECH NIGEL OWENS LISTENING (SOUNDBITE) (English) CYCLIST, JAMES OWENS, SAYING: "It is amazing to be here, this is incredibly surreal. We have been on a hell of a journey since we left London six months ago. It has been more that just a journey with Ron and I. We have had this incredible support network all trip. Thanks to everyone who has bought into our journey, its amazing to have you all out. And to track the progress of this whistle, its has had a fair few adventures." MEDIA SURROUNDING CYCLISTS AND NIGEL OWENS (SOUNDBITE) (English) RUGBY WORLD CUP TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR, ALAN GILPIN, SAYING: "These guys have made it a very tough act to follow actually. The next six weeks will have to go someway to matching the epic journey these guys have been on." JAMES OWENS STANDS NEXT TO GILPIN RUTLAND GIVING WHISTLE TO JAMES OWENS TO THEN HAND IT TO NIGEL OWENS / NIGEL OWENS SHAKING HANDS WITH CYCLISTS / NIGEL OWENS SHOWING OFF WHISTLE PEOPLE APPLAUDING RUTLAND SPEAKING CAMERAMAN SITTING ON SHOULDERS OF COLLEAGUE AND FILMING VARIOUS OF CYCLISTS WITH BICYCLES AND NIGEL OWENS HOLDING WHISTLE NIGEL OWENS AND JAMES OWENS LAUGHING CYCLISTS WITH BICYCLES AND NIGEL OWENS HOLDING WHISTLE
- Embargoed: 3rd October 2019 09:13
- Keywords: James Owens Rugby World Cup Race to RWC Japan 2019 whistle Cyclists Nigel Owens Ron Rutland Tokyo Stadium
- Location: TOKYO, JAPAN / VARIOUS FILE LOCATIONS
- City: TOKYO, JAPAN / VARIOUS FILE LOCATIONS
- Country: Japan
- Topics: Rugby Union,Sport
- Reuters ID: LVA001AXBOGFZ
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:EDITORS PLEASE NOTE: PART AUDIO AS INCOMING
Two intrepid cyclists, Ron Rutland and James Owens, delivered the whistle to be used in the opening match of the Rugby World Cup on Thursday (Sept. 19), having travelled over 20,000 km (12,427 miles) from London.
The pair, who left Twickenham Stadium in February to begin their trip, handed the whistle to Welsh referee Nigel Owens, who will be taking charge of Friday's (Sept. 20) clash between hosts Japan and Russia.
The journey, which traversed 27 countries in 231 days, has aimed to raise awareness and money for charity ChildFund Pass it Back, which is working in partnership with World Rugby, looking to empower under-privileged children across Asia through the game.
They delivered the whistle safe and sound to Nigel Owens in Tokyo Stadium, which will host Friday's opening match. Nigel Owens was also the referee for the final of the 2015 Rugby World Cup in England.
The duo will now stay on in Japan for the next six weeks to enjoy the World Cup. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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