Your child could be selected to walk out as an official mascot with the England men’s rugby team when they take on Italy at St James’ Park on Friday September 6th.
The match – a Quilter International – will be the last game England play before they travel to Japan for the Rugby World Cup.
And a competition is now open from which one lucky winner will be selected to accompany the team as they walk out for the kick-off. The mascot will also receive free match tickets for themselves and two members of their family.
Competition entrants must be between five- and 11-years-old.
Those participating in the competition must make a Twitter video – lasting 60 seconds or less – featuring the child explaining why they would be a good mascot for the England rugby team.
When the video is shared on Twitter, the tweet must include the hashtag #EngItalyMascot.
Those taking part in the competition should also visit https://www.pages06.net/rfu/EnglandRugbyMascotCompetition/ and fill in the form on the webpage.
Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for communities, Cllr Clare Penny-Evans, said, “It is a pleasure for us to be welcoming the England men’s team to Newcastle for their last match before they fly out to Japan.”
“This is an amazing opportunity for one lucky child to walk out onto the famous pitch alongside their heroes and I’m sure it will be a memory that will stay with them and their family forever.”
“We know St James’ Park puts on a great spectacle with the European rugby we’ve already hosted this year, and the atmosphere should be just as good on September 6.”
England manager Eddie Jones said, “We’re delighted to come up here. To come up to Newcastle and play at this iconic football ground is a great honour for us.”
“Just to get the players used to that experience of sleeping in a different hotel, not knowing quite what the ground is going to be like and being able to adapt to those conditions is so important for the World Cup campaign.”
Northumberland Rugby Union Chairman Andy Thomson said, “It’s a brilliant opportunity to showcase the international game and give the opportunity to people who don’t normally travel down to Twickenham to see rugby at its highest level.”
(Featured image courtesy of Patrick K, from Wikimedia Commons)
