Fans show their true colours as Rugby World Cup comes to Leeds

Leeds is basking in the warm glow of a weekend that strengthened its reputation as one of the country’s sporting capitals.
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Tens of thousands of colourfully-dressed fans flocked to Leeds United’s Elland Road ground today and yesterday for two Rugby World Cup fixtures.

Scotland beat the USA 39-16 today while Italy saw off Canada 23-18 in yesterday’s game.

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The profile-raising matches built on the city’s involvement in the Tour de France and Tour de Yorkshire cycle races.

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And they also came amid mounting excitement at the prospect of Leeds staging a leg of next year’s ITU World Triathlon Series.

Leeds City Council leader Coun Judith Blake said: “Hosting a prestigious, global sporting event like this really helps us to shine a light on Leeds and showcase it to the many visitors who have made the journey from other parts of the country and the world, not just to watch the rugby but to experience all the great things our city has to offer.

“I’m sure they’ll go away with some wonderful sporting memories and a brilliant experience of Leeds.”

The tournament is expected to generate millions of pounds for Leeds’s economy, with up to 7,000 travelling fans thought to have stayed in local hotels over the weekend.