CHIPPENHAM and Swindon were gripped by Rugby World Cup fever on Saturday Rugby when the William Webb Ellis trophy toured the county.

The knock-on effect of England's World Cup win in Australia was clear to see as procession of sports fans queued throughout the afternoon to have a closer look at the legendary trophy. Chippenham estimated well over 1,000 people walked past the trophy while it was on display at Allington Field as part of the RFU's Sweet Chariot Tour.

As well as hosting the Webb Ellis trophy the club had an important Bath Combination Cup quarter-final against Trowbridge and the second team had a fixture against Melksham.

Both the beer tent and clubhouse kept drinks flowing and towards the end of the afternoon a jazz band entertained the crowds outside on the steps of the clubhouse.

Later the band members moved inside the clubhouse where they continued to entertain a packed bar.

Chippenham RFC's Laura Hickman said: "It was a brilliant afternoon and there was a real carnival atmosphere.

"Everybody seemed to be having a good time and it was just a shame trophy couldn't have stayed longer.

"People were still coming through to queue at 6.30pm to 7pm but unfortunately the trophy had to be passed on to the next county.

"To be within a foot of that solid gold famous trophy was gob-smacking, considering all the great rugby players who have handled it."

In Swindon hundreds of fans flocked to the Brunel Centre to catch a glimpse of the trophy.

At the front of the queue was dad Dave Jenkins, 38, of Gorse Hill, who took along his four children plus a friend's child.

They had all been waiting since 7.30am and their enthusiasm and excitement at seeing the cup was infectious. "It's brilliant," said eight-year-old Laura.

Her brother Aaron, nine, said: "I'm really glad we all came down today. It was worth getting up early."

Andy Hubble, coach at Swindon Rugby Club, took his squad of under-eight players to see the trophy.

He said: "It's been a great morning for us. Our youngsters will remember seeing this trophy for years to come."

The day's activities kicked off with a parade of eight local rugby clubs Swindon, Wootton Bassett, Swindon Supermarine, Cricklade, Calne, Minety, Marlborough and Pewsey Vale.