Rugby World Cup worldwide partner DHL is supporting an epic cycling journey being undertaken ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2019. Ron Rutland and James Owens are setting off on a remarkable quest: to cycle 20,093 km across Europe and Asia – from London to Tokyo – and arrive
Rugby World Cup worldwide partner DHL is supporting an epic cycling journey being undertaken ahead of the Rugby World Cup 2019.
Ron Rutland and James Owens are setting off on a remarkable quest: to cycle 20,093 km across Europe and Asia – from London to Tokyo – and arrive just in time for the tournament which is being hosted across Japan. This extreme expedition will take them through 26 countries over 231 days.
The “ Race to RWC” starts on Feb 2. Departing Twickenham Stadium, London, Ron and James will arrive in Tokyo on Sept 19 ahead of the first official match, taking place between Russia and the host Japan on Sept 20.
The journey aims to raise significant funds and awareness for ChildFund Pass It Back, a key component of World Rugby’s Impact Beyond program for Rugby World Cup 2019, and a partner of the tournament’s Official Logistics Partner, DHL.
ChildFund Pass It Back is an innovative sport for development program led by ChildFund in partnership with World Rugby and Asia Rugby. The program delivers an integrated life skills and rugby curriculum for children and young people in disadvantaged communities across Asia. The program’s objectives are to equip children and young people to overcome challenges, inspire positive social change and ‘pass it back’ to their communities.
“We are very excited to have Ron and James riding in support of the ChildFund Pass It Back program,” said Nigel Spence, CEO for ChildFund Australia. “We believe that every child should have the right to play, learn and grow, and funds raised by ‘Race to RWC’ will mean that children living in some of Asia’s most disadvantaged communities will get the opportunity to take part in ChildFund Pass It Back. This program not only gives young people the chance to play rugby, but the unique curriculum provides them with life-long skills and knowledge.
