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NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHEDA new World Rugby Hall of Fame website has been launched as an educational resource to complement the physical experience with visitors being able to access a complete timeline of the game and the moments that have shaped a sport that is now played by 8.5 million people in 121 nations.The project, jointly delivered by World Rugby and Rugby Borough Council, is the first of its kind and, being fully interactive, will provide a living, breathing educational experience for visitors and local schools, through dedicated learning programmes.Visit the website at worldrugby.org/halloffame.WORLD RUGBY HALL OF FAME Rugby Art Gallery and MuseumLittle Elborow Street Rugby CV21 3BZ United KingdomFor directions and ticket information, visit worldrugby.org/ halloffame/visit.Opening times Monday-Saturday: 10:00 – 17:00Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00Closed: Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s DayOPPOSITEStars were out in force as the World Rugby Hall of Fame opened its doors on 17 NovemberA fully interactive and immersive experience, the World Rugby Hall of Fame celebrates the history of the sport from innovative and rule-breaking beginnings with William Webb Ellis and Rugby School, right through to the present day with 132 greats, pioneers and administrators inducted to date.The Hall of Fame is welcoming more than 1,000 visitors a week and is on target to meet its initial objective of 50,000 visitors within a 12-month period. In an era of digital and social immersion, the experience is almost completely interactive, delving into digital archives to ensure that all 121 World Rugby member unions are featured.World Rugby Chairman Bill Beaumont and the Mayor of Rugby Cllr Sally Bragg officially cut the ribbon on 17 November, as stars from the game congregated in the town that gave birth to the sport and its name.WORLD RUGBYHALL OF FAME OPENSThe World Rugby Hall of Fame opened its doors to visitors in November following a star-studded launch and induction of 12 greats of the game at the impressive location in Rugby.“With this Hall of Fame we celebrate the greats who have inspired generations of players and fans with their feats on rugby fields around the world. We also celebrate formalising the link between the sport’s beginnings in Rugby with World Rugby as the game’s governing body,” said Beaumont.“Through this partnership with our friends and colleagues in Rugby, we hope to welcome the world to rugby the sport and Rugby the town and inspire the next generation of players and supporters.”The experience will also provide an important community education hub where schools from the local area and further afield can participate in special projects to learn about the game, its origins and growth.While entry to the World Rugby Hall of Fame is currently free, tickets can be booked in advance via worldrugby.org/halloffame/visit. Visitors are encouraged to share their experiences by using the official hashtag #RugbyHOF.84 WORLD RUGBY YEAR IN REVIEW 2016CELEBRATE | HALL OF FAME