London turns to Rugby World Cup 2015 to beat the blues

Judging by the weather, summer is well and truly behind us. Now, Londoners are itching to start talking scrummages; as the Rugby World Cup is due to begin on Friday, the City is kicking things off with a whole host of rugger-centric events and deals.

 

First, TfL announced yesterday that it will be teaming up with ITV to bring live updates to commuters on all Tube services. The deal, worth £160,000, will see electronic display boards at station entrances and on platforms keeping commuters informed of all the latest scores. 

 

Meanwhile in the City, rugby legend from England’s 2003 victory Lawrence Dallaglio opens the market at the London Stock Exchange this morning – and he’s even brought the Webb Ellis Cup with him.

 

The spectacle comes as part of the Trophy Tour, which saw the cup take a 12-month journey around the world as a celebration of the gentleman’s sport and to mark the countdown to the World Cup opening ceremony at Twickenham on Friday.

 

But Dallaglio isn’t the only rugby legend playing with shares today.

 

Over at risk management firm AFEX’s offices on the Strand, former England players such as 2003 squad-member Kyran Bracken will get a chance to pick up the phones for a charity trading day with the Rugby Players’ Association and Rugby Football League.

 

Players from the Premiership and Super League will take to the trading desks and compete to see who can place the most trades.

 

Also, if you want to get involved, Reebok Sports Club in Canary Wharf is letting the financial district’s workers sign up for a five-a-side tournament to while away colder nights.