Hall of Fame will be long-term tourist boost for Rugby

Warwickshire's vibrant tourism industry will boast another unique attraction for visitors from around the world following the opening of the World Rugby Hall of Fame in the town where the sport was born.

A grand opening of the Hall of Fame will be held on November 17 at the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum, where the exhibition will be based long-term.

It is excellent news for the town which gave birth to one of the world's most avidly-followed sports. Every year brings an influx of rugby supporters to England to follow their respective national teams. So the town will benefit from "millions of visitors" in the years to come, said England rugby legend and Hall of Fame member Bill Beaumont.

“It is exciting to tell Rugby’s story in the place that carries such unique importance to our sport," said Mr Beaumont. “We are delighted to be partnering with Rugby Borough Council to deliver an experience that will become a destination for fans from around the world.

"I congratulate the latest list of great players who will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in November. It is they, through their on-field exploits, who bring the Hall of Fame to life and will attract millions of rugby pilgrims in the coming years from wherever the game is known.”

Inaugurated in 2006 with the induction of the sport's founder William Webb Ellis, the World Rugby Hall of Fame now has 120 members including many of the sport's great players, coaches, pioneers and administrators. A peripatetic exhibition until now, it will make its first permanent physical home at the Rugby Art Gallery and Museum.

World Rugby, the sport’s governing body, has strived to make the Hall of Fame "an immersive experience, offering visitors an inspirational journey from the game’s humble origins the present day," using interactive HD touch-screen technology.

The Hall of Fame will open to the general public permanently from November 18.

Visit www.worldrugby.org/halloffame for more information.