New Zealanders are invited to get a taste of the excitement of Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011), when the RWC 2011 Roadshow hits 27 towns and cities across the country through July.

New Zealanders are invited to get a taste of the excitement of Rugby World Cup 2011 (RWC 2011), when the RWC 2011 Roadshow hits 27 towns and cities across the country through July.

The RWC 2011 Roadshow which kicks off on July 4 in Bluff, will be touring in a custom-designed truck, housing the Webb Ellis Cup and much more. The truck will open out into a 72 sq metre ‘events centre’ jam-packed with interactive displays and videos on Rugby World Cup history and legends.

Outside the truck, a marquee area will preview some of each region’s unique REAL New Zealand Festival events which will bring the country to life during September and October.

The truck has been painted in the Tournament’s distinctive mangopare and koru designs which symbolise the world coming together in union for Rugby’s showpiece Tournament.

Rugby New Zealand 2011 Chief Executive Martin Snedden says the Roadshow will create a real buzz in New Zealand communities.

“The RWC 2011 Roadshow will help show New Zealanders why this Tournament is so much bigger than just the Rugby. It’s going to be a lot of fun so I urge people to come along and get a taste of how special this event is going to be and how they can play a part.”

During the RWC 2011 Roadshow, New Zealanders will be able to have their photo taken with the Webb Ellis Cup, enjoy REAL New Zealand Festival events, win or buy RWC 2011 tickets, and find out how they can be part of the Tournament during September and October.

Director of the NZ 2011 Office Leon Grice says each stop on the RWC 2011 Roadshow will bring its own experience for New Zealand communities.

“From oyster shucking competitions, street performances and bands to Rugby culture and food festivals, the uniqueness of every New Zealand region will be on display through the Roadshow’s REAL New Zealand Festival events.

“This is a great chance for Kiwis everywhere to celebrate our extraordinary country, prepare to welcome our international visitors, and find out how to get involved in RWC 2011, whether or not their town is hosting matches.”

A different RWC 2011 visiting nation will be profiled on each weekday of the RWC 2011 Roadshow, encouraging communities to ‘adopt’ a visiting Rugby team, and support them and their fans while in New Zealand. The two best dressed fans at every location will win two RWC 2011 match tickets each.

“Whether it’s just by wearing their colours, learning their anthem or saying ‘hi’ in their language, adopting a second team is a simple and fun way to be part of the Roadshow and the Tournament itself,” says Leon Grice.

Follow the RWC 2011 Roadshow at www.rugbyworldcup.com/roadshow and www.nz2011.govt.nz/get-involved