Marr RFC's Jack Sharman could barely contain his excitement after being named as the first Official Mascot for Rugby World Cup 2019, Japan later this year, courtesy of an Official Worldwide partner, Land Rover.Jack Sharman (left) with Huw Jones in Bath

Jack, 12, was successfully chosen by a star-studded rugby panel consisting of Rugby World Cup 2003 winner Lewis Moody, and current internationals Anthony Watson, Leigh Halfpenny, George North, and Huw Jones for demonstrating how they embody the values of rugby during a Land Rover UK organised grassroots festival at Bath Rugby’s training ground, Farleigh House.

After being selected, the Marr RFC youngster was presented with a bespoke ceremonial Rugby World Cup 2019 Land Rover cap, one of nine caps that will be issued to selected mascots from the UK.

Flying to Japan later this year, he will lead Scotland out when they play Ireland at the International Stadium Yokohama.

The selection process took part during Land Rover’s Rugby Tour, a grassroots tournament between six affiliate community clubs from Bath Rugby, Glasgow Warriors and Cardiff Blues at Bath’s Farleigh House.

Three mascot places were available on the day as each participant submitted a video explaining why they should be selected. Jack’s strong case showed how he demonstrates the values of grassroots rugby; integrity, courage, pride, composure and capability.

With just five months to go until the tournament kicks off, Jack admits he is counting down the days already.

“It’s amazing, I can’t believe I’ll be going out to Japan. I think I will be a bit nervous, but I’ll also be very excited to meet the players. I am a huge Glasgow Warriors and Scotland fan, so I really hope Scotland win.

“At the start of the day I went on camera and explained how much I love rugby and being part of a team. I never thought I would then be selected.

“It was great to have the rugby players here today to watch us and select the winner, they were very friendly and told me what to expect when we run out.”

As a Worldwide Partner of Rugby World Cup 2019 (RWC 2019), Land Rover is recruiting 96 youngsters to win a once in a lifetime opportunity to be a match day mascot at the prestigious tournament in Japan.

Highlighting Land Rover’s commitment to grassroots rugby, 67 youngsters aged between 7-13 years old from Japan and 29 youngsters from other competing nations will be selected to walk out onto the pitch alongside a national team at one of the 48 matches from 20 September to 02 November, 2019.

Huw Jones admitted that opportunities like the Land Rover Rugby Tour were imperative for promoting rugby at all levels of the game.

“It was great to be part of the Land Rover Rugby Tour and play a part in making Jack’s dream of going to Japan come true. Rugby is a sport built on its values and they are just as important as a player’s ability on the field.

“All players personified those values, so it made for a really tough selection process, but we were really impressed by Jack.

“He can relax with his place on the plane. I will be doing all that I can to get out to Japan and if selected, I’ll look forward to seeing Jack out there.”