Rugby World Cup winner Martin Corry and former England international George Chuter took part in the event at the National Space Centre in Leicester to mark the arrival of the 100-day Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour of the United Kingdom and Ireland into the city.

They loaded the ball into a weather balloon, which fired the ball into space.

Time lapse footage captured the launch, generating spectacular photography and film which is now being projected onto the National Space Centre alongside a projection of the 2015 Rugby World Cup host city logo.

Corry, winner of the World Cup in 2003, expressed his excitement at taking part in the stunt organised by the Leicester City Council and England Rugby 2015 to build momentum in the city ahead of it welcoming matches during this year’s tournament.

"Today has been incredibly exciting," he said.

"We've had great fun sending a Rugby ball into space - I'm guessing that even George Chuter would be happy with a line-out throw that far.

"As the countdown to Rugby World Cup 2015 continues it is great to know that the passion and excitement around the tournament is building and there's every chance that Rugby World Cup 2015 will be spectacular."

The Webb Ellis Cup will spend two more days in the city before continuing on its tour across the country ahead of the Opening Ceremony on September 18 before England play Fiji in the opening match of the tournament, with over 300 events at rugby clubs, schools, community festivals and iconic landmarks set to have been held by the close of the 100-day tour.

With tickets still being snapped up by fans and the Trophy Tour entering its final 35 days, Stephen Brown, England Rugby 2015 managing director believes the excitement is building ahead of the competition getting underway.

"The reception the Webb Ellis Cup has received in Leicester has been 'out of this world' and has spurred on excitement for the tournament in September, particularly as Leicester City Stadium gears up to host matches during Rugby World Cup 2015," he said.

"The Trophy Tour, with support from the Rugby Football Union, rugby heroes and event owners throughout the region, has seen people from all backgrounds come together in a celebration of rugby as we count down to the Opening Ceremony on September 18."



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