RUGBY World Cup winner Julian White has pledged his support to Devon?s Sweet Chariot Tour which got underway yesterday (Wednesday).

The former Okehampton and Plymouth Albion player, who was part of the England squad crowned Rugby World Cup champions last November, is delighted that more than 450,000 people from across the country have so far come to support the world cup celebrations on the tour.

The Sweet Chariot Tour is travelling around Devon until Friday, giving people a chance to see the Webb Ellis Cup.

The prop, who plays for top club side Leicester Tigers, said: ?We have been overwhelmed by the support we have received from rugby fans and people new to the sport since winning the world cup.

?Taking the Webb Ellis Cup around Devon and the accompanying events will be a great chance to get more people playing and involved in rugby.?

The tour got underway yesterday at the home of one of White?s former clubs, Plymouth Albion, before travelling to Torquay. Today (Thursday) the tour visits Barnstaple, Bideford and Tiverton.

On the final day of the tour tomorrow, the silverware will go on display in Exeter, Exmouth and Crediton.

The Sweet Chariot Tour is entirely free to the public. However, there will be collection buckets for voluntary donations for the tour?s charity, the ?Wooden Spoon?.