The Liberal Democrat Leader and Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg will today, on a visit Twickenham constituency, mark the start of the biggest year in history for English rugby. Nick Clegg's visit to the home of Rugby, the Twickenham stadium, comes just four days before the start of the Six Nations and amid preparations for the 2015 World Cup, which will be hosted across 11 English cities and 13 venues from Brighton to Newcastle.
Independent statistics suggest the Rugby World Cup will bring hundreds of thousands of visitors to the UK, create 12,000 new jobs and boost the UK economy by £2.2bn. Nick Clegg will also visit the Twickenham Academy along with Liberal Democrat Business Secretary, and Twickenham MP, Vince Cable to take part in an "All Schools" rugby training sessions with students. They will be joined by England's most capped player Jason Leonard and Lydia Thompson from England's Women's Rugby World Cup winning squad.
Commenting Nick Clegg said: "We all remember the incredible success of the 2012 Olympics and the 2014 Grand Départ of the Tour de France in Yorkshire. They both left a legacy that the whole country can be proud of. This year, we have the privilege of hosting the Rugby World Cup and it promises to the biggest ever for English rugby. Not only will it bring billions of pounds to our economy and create thousands of jobs but it will leave a lasting legacy, building on the work here at the Twickenham Academy, inspiring youngsters from every background to pick up a ball."
"I want to wish the England team the best of luck in the year ahead. Lets make 2015 another great sporting year for this country." Nick Clegg added.
