It toured clubs and schools across the country involved in the new EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme, giving children the chance to play rugby, see the trophy and be photographed with it.

EDF group is a worldwide partner for this year’s IRB Rugby World Cup, which starts on September 7, with EDF Energy joint broadcast sponsor of ITV’s coverage of the whole tournament.

Louise Poole, EDF Energy's Head of Brand, said: “We are committed to rugby at all levels and that’s why we wanted to bring the Rugby World Cup trophy to as many schools as we could.

“It was a fantastic opportunity to inspire youngsters, which is exactly what we are doing with the EDF Energy National Schools Rugby Programme as Premier Rugby’s Community Partner.

“Our work with schools, alongside our sponsorship of national competitions including the EDF Energy Cup, and involvement with the Rugby World Cup, all demonstrate our long-term commitment and support for rugby from the grassroots to the highest levels of the game.”

More than 32,000 children have already been introduced to rugby through the schools programme, which was launched in January 2007.

The two week tour saw the Webb Ellis trophy drop in to clubs and schools as far a field as Leicester, Newcastle, Penzance and West Sussex. The trophy was then returned to France, ready for England’s defence of the title in the Rugby World Cup 2007.

Bath, Bristol, Cornish Pirates, Exeter Chiefs, Harlequins, Leicester Tigers, London Wasps, Newcastle Falcons and Saracens were all involved in the tour, organised by EDF Energy.