Haileybury welcomes Argentina to Rugby World Cup 2015

Pupils, staff and parents gave the national Argentina rugby team a warm welcome to the Rugby World Cup 2015 last night (Monday 14 September).

We hosted the team’s official Welcome Ceremony to the tournament.

The players were greeted by Haileybury’s Master Joe Davies amid a colourful and vibrant backdrop of hundreds of pupils and staff cheering on the College’s Terrace.

After photographs in front of the iconic domed Chapel, Argentina team members walked through a guard of honour formed by Haileybury’s Director of Rugby Michael Owen (former Wales and British and Irish Lions Captain) and children from Haileybury and local prep schools.

A prestigious Welcome Ceremony followed, hosted by former England rugby international and broadcaster Alastair Hignell CBE.

During the ceremony the players were presented with their Tournament Caps and Rugby World Cup 2015 Participation Medals.

They were also entertained by Haileybury’s choir, which gave a rousing performance of the Rugby World Cup anthem, World in Union.

Guests at the hour-long event included the team’s friends and family, figures from World Rugby, England Rugby 2015, the RFU and the local community.

There was also a British inspired dance performed by children from Hertfordshire based Mayhem Theatre Arts.

Haileybury will be a Team Base for both Argentina and the USA’s rugby teams during the Rugby World Cup. They will train on the College’s world-class 1st XV rugby pitch and use its sports facilities including a team room, sports centre and swimming pool.

Master, Joe Davies said: “We have a rich rugby heritage here at Haileybury and are exceptionally proud of our rugby-playing alumni, which include England’s Jamie George and the USA’s captain Chris Wyles.

“We are honoured to be part of the third-biggest sporting event in the world and proud to be hosting two great teams, Argentina and USA, who we wish well in the tournament.

“I am sure that our pupils will be inspired and encouraged by seeing world-class sportsmen train at the College – there has never been a better time to be a young sports player at Haileybury.”

Pictured: The Argentina rugby team in front of our Chapel.