Rugby World Cup marked by launch of special stamps

One of a selection of eight stamps which have been launched to mark the start of the Rugby World Cup 2015. Picture: PA

A SPECIAL set of stamps is being launched to mark the Rugby World Cup, which kicks off tonight.

Royal Mail said the eight-stamp set conveys the excitement and skill of the game.

The images on the stamps depict different moves and setpieces, including a tackle, scrum, try, conversion and line-out.

Andrew Hammond, director of Royal Mail Stamps and Collectibles, said: “These stamps portray a real sense of the gritty dynamism of the game.

Royal Mail said the eight-stamp set conveys the excitement and skill of the game. Picture: PA

“It’s fitting we issue a set of stamps to celebrate rugby coming home and at the same time show that stamps are great markers in time of major international events such as Rugby World Cup 2015.”

World Rugby chairman Bernard Lapasset said: “You know a tournament is big when they bring out a range of stamps to commemorate it and these eight designs help to promote Rugby World Cup 2015 across the entire United Kingdom and beyond.

“Rugby for me is about passion, integrity, respect, discipline and solidarity and I think these values come through very well in these stamps. I’m sure they will be enjoyed by millions of people over the coming weeks, reminding them of this celebration of rugby taking place in England and Wales.”

The Rugby World Cup kicks off tonight when England play Fiji at Twickenham in the opening match.