Dates announced for Rugby League World Cup trophy exhibition in Preston

Preston will host the Rugby League World Cup trophy exhibition as part of its tour across England.
The Paul Barrire Rugby League World Cup trophy with the newly-restored cockerel on top.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.comThe Paul Barrire Rugby League World Cup trophy with the newly-restored cockerel on top.
Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com
The Paul Barrire Rugby League World Cup trophy with the newly-restored cockerel on top. Picture by Allan McKenzie/SWpix.com

And now the dates for its visit to the city have been revealed.

Visit the Harris between Monday, January 7 and Sunday, January 13 to see the Paul Barriere trophy.

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England host the World Cup competition in 2021 and Preston has submitted a bid to be one the host cities. The successful cities will be announced in January 2019.

Cabinet member for culture and leisure at Preston City Council, coun Peter Kelly, said: “It’s an absolute honour for Preston and the Harris to host the Rugby League World Cup trophy in January and I would urge people to save the date and take advantage of the rare opportunity to see it for themselves.

“Preston has shown with previous large scale sporting events that we’re ready and more than capable to be a host city for the tournament.

"We’re looking forward to the announcement in January and keeping everything crossed.”

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The Paul Barriere Trophy serves as the Rugby League World Cup, being awarded to the victorious team of each tournament’s final.

It is named after Paul Barriere, president of the Federation Francaise de Rugby a XIII from 1947 to 1955.

The trophy has had an interesting history.

In 1970 it was stolen after reigning champions Australia had put it on display at the Midland Hotel in Bradford.

It was stolen six days before the final and was not seen for the next 20 years when it turned up in a ditch.

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The trophy has been restored ahead of England hosting the 2021 tournament and has now been fitted with a GPS tracker so it can never go missing again.

A missing cockerel, which formerly adorned the cup, has also been replaced.

The trophy is made of solid sterling silver and is a beautiful example of the silversmiths’ craft.

It will be on display in the Harris in Market Square between 9am and 5pm.

* Visitors will not be permitted to touch or lift the trophy whilst it is on display in the Harris.