Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum has history all sewn up

From this weekend, pass holders can visit the former home of legendary rugby football manufacturer William Gilbert and learn how to lace a ball, together with the chance to take a miniature ball home.

webb eThe offer forms part of the Sporting Heritage Tour of the town, where a Rugby Town Guide reveals the history of the sport in the birthplace of the game - from William Webb Ellis picking up the ball at Rugby School to the opening of the World Rugby Hall of Fame.

The tour's trip to the Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum gives visitors a chance to explore the treasure trove of rugby memorabilia housed in William Gilbert's former workshop, where he manufactured rugby balls from 1842.

While there, pass holders can learn how Gilbert stitched the rugby balls which became famous around the world and, for an additional £15, have a go at stitching a ball to take home.

Lawrence Webb, manager of the Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum, said: "The Rugby Weekend Pass is a fantastic initiative to promote our unique town.

"The Webb Ellis museum contains great little nuggets of rugby history, and the ball lacing experience included in the pass package is a great way to get hands on with the history of Rugby."

The Rugby Weekend Pass gives rugby fans the ultimate sightseeing experience, offering entry to the World Rugby Hall of Fame and a tour of Rugby School.

Pass holders can also take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts at a host of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants in the town centre and wider borough.

Nikki Grange, the council's arts, heritage and visitor services manager, said: "The Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum welcomes rugby fans from across the world so we're delighted to offer this unique experience to Rugby Weekend Pass holders.

"The pass helps visitors make the most out of a visit to Rugby, exploring the town's rich history while benefiting from exclusive discounts and offers while shopping or dining out."

The Rugby Weekend Pass can be booked online and picked up at Rugby Visitor Centre for validation, or bought directly from the visitor centre.

Priced £14 for adults, £12 concessions and £8.50 for children under 18, the pass remains valid for four consecutive days, either from Thursday to Sunday or Friday to Monday.

Sporting Heritage Tours take place on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays. Places on the tour should be booked at least 24 hours in advance.

For more information or to book, call Rugby Visitor Centre on (01788) 533217 or visit www.therugbytown.co.uk/therugbypass  

Photo caption: Lawrence Webb, manager of the Webb Ellis Rugby Football Museum, and Rugby Town Guide, Christine Hancock, launch the new ball stitching experience, exclusive to holders of the Rugby Weekend Pass.