THE Lord Mayor of Exeter hosted a reception at Exeter College to welcome the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy to the city as part of a national tour of host venues.

Cllr Anne Jobson thanked everyone involved in Exeter’s role as a host city, with seven matches – including two quarter finals - played at Sandy Park during the tournament last year.

Around 250 schoolgirls from across Devon attended Exeter College’s Centre for Rugby at Flowerpots in Exwick to take part in training sessions on the 3G pitch, delivered by Exeter Chiefs Community and current college students.

The Lord Mayor of Exeter was joined by guests including the Lord-Lieutenant of Devon David Fursdon and Chief Executive of Exeter Chiefs Tony Rowe.

Cllr Jobson said: “It was an absolute privilege to be a host city for the Women’s Rugby World Cup. We thoroughly enjoyed looking at the trophy, meeting the players, having a wonderful opening ceremony at the Cathedral, hosting the New Zealand Black Ferns in the Guildhall and the family fun day at the Quay, which was enjoyed by everybody.

“We were privileged to be chosen as a host city and Sandy Park as a host venue for what was truly a sporting spectacle. These events held at the Cathedral, Guildhall and the Quay will long live in the memory.

“The tournament undoubtedly delivered a transformational impact on the game, inspiring female participation in rugby through the success of the tournament and in turn the growth of girls’ rugby across the region.”

Tony Rowe said the tournament had a major impact on sport in the city, the City Council stating that the city saw great economic benefit.

Exeter’s Sandy Park enjoyed attendances of 58,700 spectators during the tournament and the total economic impact on the city was calculated at £31.7 million.