Leeds is up for the Cup

This is the sight that now greets travellers at they pass through Leeds Train Station.

Yes, the Rugby World Cup is coming to town.

Well, I say that - it's here already.  And this is the proof.

Webb Ellis pic.jpg

Above you can see Sion Lloyd-Parry (left) and Oisin Higgins - two fine up-and-and coming young players at Aireborough Lions RUFC in Leeds - on their visit to Headingley yesterday.  And between them is what it's all about, the William Webb Ellis Trophy, which 20 international teams will be fighting for (sometimes literally) in September and October.

The Cup is in Yorkshire for a few days as part of its nationwide tour before the big kick-off at Twickenham on Friday 1 8 September when England take on Fiji.  

Leeds itself will play host to two games; Italy facing Canada at Elland Road on Saturday 26 September, and Scotland tackling the US Eagles at the same venue the following day.  Indeed, both the Scots and the Americans will be based in the city for the group stages.

An exciting time for rugby union fans here in Yorkshire - and great news for the local economy which is set to benefit from the very welcome visitor influx.  Let's hope our Scottish friends are aware that you don't get owt for nowt in these parts.