The Webb Ellis Trophy arrives in Japan

Emirates, Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2019 (RWC 2019), is proud to announce the arrival of the Webb Ellis Cup in Tokyo. The silver-gilt trophy, presented since the inaugural Rugby World Cup tournament in 1987, was transported on Emirates flight EK318 from Dubai to Tokyo, arriving yesterday to a champion’s welcome. 

On touchdown in the host country of Japan, former World Rugby players of the year, Bryan Habana and Shane Williams, stepped out of the Emirates A380 aircraft to present the coveted trophy to Japan’s organising committee. The handover takes place just prior to the 100-day countdown to kick-off of Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan on 20 September 2019. 

To mark the trophy’s arrival, Emirates has announced details of its sponsorship of RWC 2019 in Japan, including the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for young fans to join the sport’s showcase event as Official Flag Bearers.

As part of the RWC 2019 Emirates Flag Bearers campaign, the airline is offering ten fans from Japan, aged 10 to 16 years old, the opportunity to lead teams out onto the pitch, and participate in the pre-kick-off anthem ceremonies for the pool stage matches as well as the quarter-finals, semi-finals and Final match, taking place from 20 September until 2 November 2019 across twelve host cities in Japan.

Young rugby enthusiasts can look out for the special competition for an opportunity to become a Flag Bearer for one of the world’s largest sports events. Details will be announced shortly.

In addition to the Flag Bearers from Japan, Emirates will be running similar competitions in international markets to recruit youth to join the matches in Japan, from international markets such as the UK, France, Ireland, Argentina, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

The airline is also extending this money-can’t-buy opportunity to its loyal customers by inviting members of its frequent flyer programme, Emirates Skywards, to nominate their children in the same age group to become Flag Bearers.

As a Worldwide Partner and in support of the RWC 2019 Volunteer programme, Emirates will be extending special benefits to the 14,000 volunteers selected to provide a range of crucial services before and during the tournament.