Rugby World Cup trophy going on tour of NZ

Captain Richie McCaw lifts the William Webb Ellis trophy at the end of the Rugby World Cup. The trophy will travel around New Zealand over the next two months. Photo / Andrew Warner

Over the next two months New Zealanders have a chance to see up close the trophy the All Blacks held up after beating France in the Rugby World Cup final last year.

The Webb Ellis Cup will be toured around the country for the next two months, starting next Wednesday in Kerikeri.

"The road trip is about saying thank you New Zealand for the wonderful support you gave us during Rugby World Cup 2011," New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said.

The trophy would be taken in a special black truck to 41 towns and cities and 100 schools.

The truck would also showcase the Bledisloe Cup, the IRB Women's Rugby World Cup and the IRB Junior World Championship Trophy.

"We're hoping the tour rekindles the excitement of those magical six weeks and encourages people to keep backing rugby - whether it's by playing, refereeing, coaching, volunteering, or simply getting along and enjoying a game," Mr Tew said.