Hall of Fame can aid Rugby’s recovery
To coincide with English Tourism Week (25 May to 31 May), Councillor Tim Douglas (Paddox) has written to Bill Beaumont congratulating him on his re-election as Chairman of World Rugby and urging the organisation to maintain its investment with the Hall of Fame being located in Rugby, the home of the game.
Commenting, Councillor Tim Douglas, said:
"As the local area recovers from coronavirus, tourism sites such as the World Rugby Hall of Fame will play a key role in our economic recovery. Whether it is online or offline information and attractions, Rugby needs to maximise its offerings to help the town recover."
Letter in full:
Sir Bill Beaumont
Chairman
World Rugby
8, World Rugby House
10 Pembroke Street Lower
Dublin
Ireland
28 May 2020
Dear Sir Bill,
Re: World Rugby Hall of Fame
Congratulations on your re-election as Chair of World Rugby. I am sure your experience will continue to guide the game on and off the field.
As a former national league Rugby Union player and now a local Councillor I understand the social value that the sport of Rugby Union can bring to individuals and communities. To this end, I have always been supportive of World Rugby having the Hall of Fame in our town. It is a key attraction and one which celebrates the birth of the game and gives us the status the town deserves.
Rugby and Warwickshire are a hotbed of the game both at a local and national level. Only two years ago the Warwickshire Senior XV reached the final of the County Championship at Twickenham and our women's game is growing across the region.
Reflecting on Tourism Week in England and as we move into the recovery phase in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic, I believe that the Hall of Fame whether it be online or as a visitor attraction can and must play a key role in tourism and our economic recovery.
I believe that further work can be done to maximise this offering through local clubs, touring sides and linking up with larger local destinations with Rugby being less than an hour travel from London and Birmingham.
I hope that World Rugby will continue to work with Rugby Borough Council and ensure this tourism and historic attraction plays a key part in the town's future.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best wishes,
Councillor Tim Douglas