The Year 5s had a most enjoyable trip to Twickenham – one we’ll never forget.
We began our tour in the Rugby World Museum where we followed the history of the game from seeing the first international rugby jersey in 1871 to the William Webb Ellis World Cup. There were a number of displays, some with trophies such as the Calcutta Cup. The Museum also has a section that is made up of games. We were able to test our strength on the scrumming machine whilst a favourite activity was the running game.
Our guides then collected us with one group going to the workshop where they learnt about the clothing worn over the years from the School House at Rugby School in the 1840s to the modern sponsored gear. We also examined the different rugby balls and boots that have been used over the same period of time. At one stage they used corks for studs. We then had competitions in which we were given lists of items that we had to collect and dress into according to the instructions.
The other group went on a stadium tour during which they learnt that the stadium seats 82 000; that the grass on the field is three per cent artificial, and that massive lights are used to make the grass think it’s sunlight. Unfortunately, the lights also attract foxes.
In the England changing room we sat where the international players sit; saw the various baths and massage beds; read the boards with lists of players, and learnt about the roles of the coaches and doctors. After that we went up to the royal box and discovered that the President of the Rugby Football Union will invite forty guests on match day. The table was already set up for the lunch before the match against Italy.
We saw players from England’s women’s team practising and met Emily Scarratt who scored the most points when the English won the World Cup. Matt Dawson – who was scrum-half when England won the 2003 men’s World Cup – saw us and came across to chat about Twickenham.
Millie and Maddy, Year 5
