THE Rugby World Cup trophy will be in Oxford for two days in August, just weeks before England bid to win the tournament on home soil.

Rugby's biggest prize, the Webb Ellis Cup, will be at St Hugh's College in Saint Margaret's Road on August 22 and at South Park a day later.

It is part of the Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour, which will see the cup travel across the United Kingdom over 100 days, before arriving at Twickenham on September 18 for the opening ceremony.

New Zealand are the current holders after beating France 8-7 in the 2011 final.

The trophy will be in Oxford on the evening of August 22 and presented at a dinner at St Hugh's to thank volunteers who have helped out at local clubs as part of the World Cup preparations.

Several touch rugby tournaments will be held at South Park the following morning, where the cup will also be on display.

Oxfordshire RFU spokesman Dominic Daly said the details were still being finalised, but members of the public would be able to view the trophy.

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He added: "The event is currently being finalised where there will be lots of rugby related activities, such as touch-tournaments, kicking competitions and a rugby village."

Paddy Gregan, chairman of Oxfordshire RFU, said: “This is a great opportunity for us to bring the Rugby World Cup atmosphere to the county.

"We are looking forward to having the Webb Ellis Cup beneath our dreaming spires."

England have been drawn in Pool A and begin their World Cup campaign against Fiji on September 18 at Twickenham - an hour after the opening ceremony.

Australia, Wales and Uruguay are also in England's group.

Debbie Jevans, chief executive officer of England Rugby 2015, said: “The Rugby World Cup Trophy Tour will be the perfect opportunity to excite and engage fans.

"Delivering a continuous 100 day tour means we can give as many fans as possible the opportunity to see the Webb Ellis Cup and tell us their rugby story as they countdown to their own tournament experience."

To volunteer at a local club ahead of the World Cup, visit oxonrugby2015.com/#!get-involved/c1aiu.