The countdown to Rugby World Cup 2015 continued this week at the National Space Centre, Leicester, as Martin Corry, Rugby World Cup 2003 winner and former Leicester Tiger, and George Chuter, former England international and Leicester Tiger, launched a Rugby World Cup 2015 ball into space as part of the 100 day Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour of the UK & Ireland arriving in Leicester. 

The Rugby legends were joined by Councillor Piara Singh Clair, Assistant City Mayor responsible for sport and StormTroopers as they loaded the Rugby ball onto a weather balloon to fire into space. The moment was recorded with time lapse footage, generating spectacular photography and film.
 
 
The stunt was delivered by Leicester City Council and England Rugby 2015 as part of the city's ambition to build momentum ahead of the Tournament.
 
Imagery captured from the stratospheric journey is on display at the National Space Centre alongside a projection of the Rugby World Cup 2015 Host City logo on the outside of the building.
 
The Webb Ellis Cup's visit to Leicester is part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour which will visit over 300 events including Rugby clubs, sporting events, schools, community festivals and iconic landmarks. The Trophy Tour will celebrate Rugby and the hosting of Rugby World Cup 2015, providing as many people as possible with the chance to engage with the Tournament and see Rugby's greatest prize.  

The Trophy Tour has spent five days in Scotland, five days in Northern Ireland, five days in the Republic of Ireland, ten days in Wales and 75 days in England before arriving at the Opening Ceremony on September 18. It follows the successful international Trophy Tour which completed visits to 15 countries, engaging and exciting fans across the world in the run up to England 2015.  To view the full Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour schedule click here. 

Speaking at the National Space Centre, Rugby World Cup 2003 winner Martin Corry said: "Today has been incredibly exciting. We've had great fun sending a Rugby ball into space – I'm guessing that even George Chuter would be happy with a line-out throw that far! As the countdown to Rugby World Cup 2015 continues it is great to know that the passion and excitement around the Tournament is building and there's every chance that Rugby World Cup 2015 will be spectacular.”
 
With 36 days to go the Tournament is on track and set to deliver the biggest Rugby World Cup to date. Ticket sales have now crossed 2.1 million through all official sales channels, including general sale and the official hospitality and travel programmes. Tickets are currently on sale through tickets.rugbyworldcup.com and all official channels.

England Rugby 2015 Managing Director, Stephen Brown, said: "The reception the Webb Ellis Cup has received in Leicester has been 'out of this world' and has spurred on excitement for the Tournament in September, particularly as Leicester City Stadium gears up to host matches during Rugby World Cup 2015. The Trophy Tour, with support from the RFU, Rugby heroes and event owners throughout the region, has seen people from all backgrounds come together in a celebration of Rugby as we count down to the Opening Ceremony on September 18.”

Tickets are still available for Rugby World Cup 2015 at tickets.rugbyworldcup.com. In order to enjoy the best possible spectator experience  and not be let down or misled, Rugby World Cup 2015 are urging fans to only buy tickets from these official sources. For more information and to check whether a company or certain website is an official RWC2015 channel, fans can see the 'Official Checker' list of agents located at www.rugbyworldcup.com/buyofficial.

For more information on how to purchase official travel and hospitality programmes, visit www.rugbyworldcup.com/supportertours and www.rugbyworldcup.com/hospitality.