Weybridge Vandals launch Surrey’s World Cup fan zone
Weybridge Vandals have turned their club into Surrey’s biggest free to enter Rugby World Cup fan zone.
Over the opening weekend of the tournament, the Vandals showed the home nations’ first Rugby World Cup games, as well as the opening game between hosts France and New Zealand.
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The club also hosted an intra-club world cup themed touch tournament. Players, parents and members from other sports, who also have their home at Brownacres, turned up to have some fun playing touch rugby before watching the South Africa v Scotland game on their big screens. Their tournament finished with France beating South Africa in the final and only time will tell whether the result is a hint of things to come.
As close as you’re going to get to being there
Club President, Kevin Keaney, was inspired to create the fan zone after the success of hiring a marquee and showing the British & Irish Lions on their tour of South Africa in 2021.
“When we showed the British & Irish Lions at our club, we attracted lots of South Africans who lived locally. Many who came to watch ended up becoming members themselves or their children became members at the club. We’re working really hard to raise awareness of the club locally, so we thought why not do a similar thing for the Rugby World Cup?” said Kevin.
“We have a jumbo screen, a food van and we’re encouraging people to bring their national flag. Not everyone can be in France, so we wanted to create a fun experience locally. Watching it at a club surrounded by real rugby supporters who are really passionate about the game is the most authentic way to watch a rugby game. It’s the closest you’re going to get to actually being there!” he added.
All are welcome at Weybridge Vandals and if you’re tempted to go down, discover the next game to be shown on the big screens here.
The tournament can be a great way to recruit new players, retain existing members and boost revenue. Check out the RFU Activation guides for clubs or for schools for top tips, checklists and templates that can help maximise this opportunity.
