RUGBY Union’s most sought-after prize made its way to Newport earlier today as part of the England 2015 World Cup Trophy Tour.

The Webb Ellis Trophy, which will be handed over to the captain of the victorious nation in this autumn’s tournament, visited Bassaleg School as part of the tour’s 10-day journey around Wales.

Former Bassaleg pupil Ryan Jones, who went on to captain Wales and represented the British and Irish Lions, was World Rugby’s ambassador on the day.

He said: “The support here and everywhere we’ve been has been fantastic. I’ve live out [in] West [Wales] now for years so I don’t really get a chance to come back, but it’s great to be here. I was brought up only down the road from the school.”

A touch rugby tournament was taking place at the secondary school throughout the morning, while the school band provided more entertainment by playing music in the bright sunshine.

Pupils and staff alike also had the opportunity to take their photos next to the iconic trophy, and grabbed a few ‘selfies’ with Wales star Jones.

Mark Batten, a former winner of the best teacher in Wales award, taught the front-rower for seven years at the school in his job as head of the PE department.

Now the school’s deputy head, Mr Batten said it was great to have the former star pupil back on home turf.

“It’s absolutely phenomenal for the school and for the profile of rugby to have the trophy come here,” he said.

“It means so much to us to have Ryan here as well, a past pupil who’s achieved so much. The kids will benefit from what he has to say to them.”

Lisa Hampton, Trophy Tour Manager, said: “We’ve been working in all parts of the country and we have been approaching the rugby unions to see what is going on in the country while the tour is going on. That’s how the schedule has turned out like it has.

“Bassaleg has a good pedigree and a strong rugby tradition - you see Ryan Jones here today. The support has been incredible everywhere we’ve been, and here is no different.

“It’s important for us to engage people with the competition and with rugby, and to leave a legacy for the next generation of rugby players – that’s what we’re trying to achieve with this tour.”

The 2015 England Rugby World Cup will begin in September with some games taking place at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.