As part of the promotion for Japan 2019 the Webb Ellis Cup – the trophy awarded to the winner of the Rugby World Cup – returned to Hong Kong for a three day tour.
The Cup is named after William Webb Ellis, who is often credited as the inventor of rugby football. ‘Bill’ as the trophy is affectionately known has been won three times by New Zealand (1987, 2011 & 2015), twice by Australia (1991 & 1999) and South Africa (1995 & 2007), and once by England in 2003.
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There are actually two official Webb Ellis Cups, which are used interchangeably. The original cup is a 1906 trophy made by Carrington and Co. of London – based on a 1740s Victorian design by Paul de Lamerie – the other is a 1986 replica.
The 38 centimetre trophy weighs 4.5 kg, is made from gilded silver and the cup is supported by two cast scroll handles. On one there is the head of a satyr, on the other a head of a nymph. The face of the trophy features the words International Rugby Football Board and below that arch the words The Webb Ellis Cup are engraved.
Who will win in Japan in 2019, will Hong Kong’s men emulate the women – who qualified for the Women’s Rugby World Cup in Ireland in 2017 – and make their debut at the tournament proper?
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