A gleaming golden trophy, modest in size but monumental in meaning, the Webb Ellis Cup rests proudly in the hands of towering rugby champions. Its intricate design and rich history make it one of the most coveted prizes in the world of sports. Though dwarfed by the burly players who lift it high in victory, this 38-centimeter masterpiece represents decades of dedication, triumph, and the very spirit of rugby union.
Awarded to the winners of the men’s Rugby World Cup, the Cup symbolizes the pinnacle of achievement in the sport. Its origins, craftsmanship, and the legends who have hoisted it all contribute to its enduring legacy.
The Design and Craftsmanship of the Cup
The Webb Ellis Cup is a gilded silver trophy, standing 38 centimeters tall and weighing 4.5 kilograms. It features two ornate cast scroll handles—one adorned with the head of a satyr, a symbol of revelry, and the other with the serene head of a nymph, a nature spirit. The trophy’s intricate design includes terminals adorned with a bearded mask, a lion mask, and a vine motif.
On the front of the Cup, the words "International Rugby Football Board" are engraved, with "The Webb Ellis Cup" inscribed below. The trophy has often been (incorrectly) referred to as the "Webb Ellis Trophy" and is colloquially known as "Bill," a nickname popularized by Australia's Wallabies during their 1991 Rugby World Cup campaign.
The History Behind the Trophy's Creation
The Webb Ellis Cup's design traces back to the 1740s when it was first crafted by Paul de Lamerie, a celebrated Huguenot gold and silversmith based in London. His original work inspired the Victorian-era design crafted by Carrington and Co in 1911. There are two official Webb Ellis Cups used interchangeably: the original 1911 trophy and a 1986 replica.
The selection of the trophy as the official prize for the Rugby World Cup was decided in February 1987. John Kendall-Carpenter, a former England forward and organizer of the first Rugby World Cup, and Bob Weighill, secretary of the International Rugby Board, visited Garrard & Co, the crown jeweler, in London's Regent Street. Richard Jarvis, the Director, presented the trophy from the vault, which was eventually approved by notable rugby figures including Ronnie Dawson of Ireland, Keith Rowlands of Wales, Bob Stuart, Dick Littlejohn of New Zealand, and Australians Nick Shehadie and Ross Turnbull.
Rugby World Cup Champions
Since its inception in 1987, only four nations have claimed the Webb Ellis Cup:
New Zealand (All Blacks) – Champions in 1987, 2011, and 2015
Australia (Wallabies) – Winners in 1991 and 1999
South Africa (Springboks) – Victorious in 1995, 2007, 2019, and 2023
England – Secured the title in 2003
2023 Rugby World Cup Victory
The Springboks made history in 2023 by becoming the first team to win the Rugby World Cup four times. Their thrilling 12-11 victory over New Zealand in the final held in France solidified their status as one of rugby's greatest teams. The Cup was displayed at Newlands in South Africa for two years following their 2007 win before being returned to the home of World Rugby in Ireland.
Care and Preservation
The Webb Ellis Cup is meticulously cared for and restored by silversmiths Thomas Lyte after each tournament, ensuring its continued brilliance. Over the years, it has toured various rugby nations, including stops in New Zealand alongside other iconic trophies such as the Dave Gallaher Trophy, Bledisloe Cup, Hillary Shield, Women's World Cup, and World Rugby Sevens Series trophies.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The Webb Ellis Cup is more than just a trophy—it's a symbol of rugby's rich heritage and international camaraderie. It stands as a testament to the sport's enduring spirit, the determination of the champions who lift it, and the global passion for rugby.
The Women's Rugby World Cup has its own distinct trophy, but the legacy of the Webb Ellis Cup continues to inspire players and fans alike, with its intricate design and storied history forever etched in rugby's history.
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