AS rugby supporters reach fever pitch ahead of this year’s World Cup tournament, fans will have a chance to see the coveted trophy for themselves.

The Web Ellis Cup is touring the country ahead of the start of the tournament on September 18, including three matches at St James’ Park in Newcastle, starting with Scotland v South Africa.

The famous old trophy arrived in the North-East yesterday (Thursday), visiting venues across Northumberland and Tyneside accompanied by World Cup winning prop Jason Leonard, now president of the Rugby Football Union.

Durham County Rugby Football Union will host the trophy from Sunday, when it is handed over during the British Transplant Games, at Gateshead International Stadium.

During its stay in the county, fans will have the chance to get their photographs taken with the trophy which the world’s greatest players will battle to get their hands on.

On Sunday, fans can see the trophy at Gateshead International Stadium from 5pm to 6pm.

On Monday, the cup will be at the Angel of the North from 8am to 9am; at Palace Green, outside Durham Cathedral from 10am to 1pm and at West Hartlepool RFC from 2pm to 3pm.

The Durham County festival will finish on Monday evening with a celebration dinner at Barnard Castle School, attended by former England internationals Rory Underwood and Rob Andrew.

Robin Wannop, Chairman of the regional activities and legacy group for Durham County RFU, said: "A number of activities are taking place at each event and people will be able to see the trophy, as well as watch young rugby teams play, learn about the sport and find out how they could get involved.

“This year is set to be momentous as England hosts the tournament and already people are getting very excited about watching the world’s best rugby players in action."

He continued: “Some of the matches are going to be held in the North-East, so this is a great opportunity to get people involved and show them what a great sport it is, no matter how old or young you are, or whether you’re male or female.”

During the festivities at West Hartlepool Rugby Club, its new £900,000 clubhouse will be officially opened by Jason Leonard.

Club secretary Graham Frankland said: “It was a very special moment when we were named as one of the very few clubs that would host the cup.

“To get this opportunity is amazing and to open the clubhouse while the trophy is here will be a fantastic occasion.”

For more information about how to get involved in rugby in the Durham County area, go to www.durhamrugby.com