Rugby World Cup fever began to take hold yesterday at a star-studded evening in Greenwich.

Take That headlined the Wear the Rose Live event at The O2, at which 14,500 England fans turned to show their support ahead of the biggest tournament in English rugby history.

The night was a celebration of both England and rugby, with fans treated to performances of Swing Low Sweet Chariot by Ella Eyre, Britain’s Got Talent winner Collabro, Jerusalem by anthem singer Laura Wright and Take That accompanied by a 48-piece orchestra.

Stuart Lancaster and his England squad joined the band on stage at the end to fully experience the power of the support from fans.

Among the celebrity fans on the red carpet were Jodi Kidd, Jack Whitehall and Richard Hammond.

England captain Chris Robshaw said: “On behalf of the squad I want to thank the thousands of fans who came out to The O2 for Wear the Rose Live and showed their support for the team.

“The event was unlike anything we have experienced before and we really feel honoured to have been part of it. O2 have put together something special to galvanise support for the team. We have been training hard over the summer and want to do the country proud.

“Knowing that the nation is behind us gives us that extra boost.”

News Shopper editor Andrew Parkes was there. He said: ““A truly inspiring evening which made me feel proud to be English.

“The best part about the night was everyone there chose to get involved, from swaying along to Sweet Chariot to smacking the bum of the person next to you – including all the England players”

“All in all it was a great patriotic night, and Take That were on form too, what more could you want?

“Though I’ve never been 100 per cent sure about Vernon Kay, even he was on top form”

The Rugby World Cup kicks off with England against Fiji at Twickenham on September 19.

 

Take That(Ian West/PA)Gary Barlow(Ian West/PA)

 

A plethora of famous faces also showed up to get behind the boys what wear a red rose on their chest.

Richard Hammond and his wife Mindy, for example.

Richard Hammond and wife Mindy(Ian West/PA)

 

Carol Vorderman was also in attendance – sporting some daring red leather gloves, if we may say.

Carol Vorderman(Ian West/PA)

 

There was a definite pregnancy theme going on, with Russell Kane doing funny poses with heavily pregnant (and fairly non-plussed) wife Lindsey.

Russell Kane and Lindsey Cole(Ian West/PA)

 

Harry Judd also turned up with his very chirpy (again, very pregnant) wife Izzy.

Harry Judd and wife Izzy(Ian West/PA)

 

Tyler Hoechlin turned up with Humans star Gemma Chan.

Tyler Hoechlin and Gemma Chan(Ian West/PA)

 

Jodie Kidd looked very pleased with herself. Clearly got a lot of belief in the rugby lads.

Jodie Kidd(Ian West/PA)

 

Ralf Little was also there looking very smiley. This really was an event full of joy – as we expect the World Cup will be too.

Ralf Little(Ian West/PA)

 

Self-styled Wag Lizzie Cundy was flaunting a kind of pinky-red coloured outfit.

Lizzie Cundy(Ian West/PA)

 

Swimmer Mark Foster was trying to suppress a smile, but the mirth of the night was winning him round.

Mark Foster(Ian West/PA)

 

Vanessa White from the Saturdays also brought the glamour.

Vanessa White(Ian West/PA)