Race to
Rugby World Cup
What is Race to Rugby World Cup
Race to Rugby World Cup is a tradition taking place ahead of each Rugby World Cup from 2019 to 2025, bringing together endurance, adventure, and purpose. mobilising global support around major Rugby World Cup tournaments to raise funds for children and young people, inspired by the power of the rugby community.
Through epic journeys - whether cycling across continents or taking on ultra-endurance challenges - participants carry the match whistle for the opening game across countries and communities, delivering it to the tournament host as a powerful symbol of connection.
Along the way, they shine a spotlight on ChildFund Rugby’s work. These efforts help fund integrated rugby and life skills learning that empower young people to play, learn, and lead on and off the pitch.
Race to Rugby World Cup 2025
In August 2025, ChildFund Rugby Ambassador Lexi Chambers completed 10 ultramarathons in 10 days, covering over 322 miles from London to Sunderland in a non-sport wheelchair, and delivered the official match whistle for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025 opening game.
Race to Rugby World Cup 2021
In 2022, Ron teamed up with Adam Nunn and together they cycled their way from Japan to New Zealand. On October 8th 2022, the duo arrived to Eden Park, just in time to deliver the opening game’s whistle to referee Maggie Cogger-Orr to officially kick-off Rugby World Cup 2021, played in 2022.
Spanning 209 days, 11 nations, and over 16,500km, the Race to Rugby World Cup 2021 successfully raised more than 15,000 USD for ChildFund Rugby, the tournament’s Principal Charity. The journey was supported by World Rugby, DHL, and the global rugby family who cheered for them all the way to the finish line.
Race to Rugby World Cup 2019
In 2019, Ron Rutland and James Owens travelled across 23 countries from London to Tokyo, as they took part in the Race to RWC 2019, raising €123,696 for ChildFund Rugby. This amazing feat supported thousands of children and young people across Asia to learn valuable life skills, grow as leaders, and become role models in their communities.
