THE Rugby World Cup, now being played in England and Wales, owes much to one Wellington man.

John Kendall-Carpenter, former England captain and headmaster of Wellington School, played a vital role in the inaugural World Cup in 1987 held in New Zealand and Australia as chairman of the organising committee.

He also paid Royal Jewellers Garrards £6,000 for a silver gilt trophy – named The Webb Ellis Cup after the Rugby School pupil credited with creating the game of rugby.

For more on this story, see this week’s Wellington Weekly News.