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Webb Ellis Cup visits Mont Blanc
13 JUNE 2007, irb.com
The Webb Ellis Cup made a very special visit to one of France’s most recognisable landmarks earlier this week when former France international Philippe Sella accompanied the trophy and a party of climbers on an expedition to climb Mont Blanc.
Arranged by the France 2007 Organising Committee and the local Rugby Committee of the Haute Savoie, the expedition was arranged as part of the celebrations to mark the start of Rugby World Cup 2007 which kicks-off in Paris on September 7.
Rugby World Cup Limited Directors Bernard Lapasset and Jacques Laurans, senior politicians, Rugby dignitaries were joined by members of the media to hand the trophy to the climbers at the famous l’Aiguille du Midi.base camp in the foothills of the mountain.
Five vastly-experienced parties of roped climbers, mountain guides, officials, players, and mountain police then joined in relay to transport the Webb Ellis Cup the 4000 metres to the summit of Europe’s highest mountain. Philippe Sella, France’s most capped back, then carried the Cup the final few metres to the summit of Mont Blanc.