Webb Ellis Cup

Webb Ellis Cup

The Webb Ellis Cup is the Holy Grail for the rugby world. It is named after a student of England's Rugby School, William Webb Ellis, who Rugby School authorities claim picked up a soccer ball and ran with it in 1823.

While historians now dispute that this was the origin of the game of rugby, the Webb Ellis name has become synonymous with the game's history and values.

The International Rugby Board commissioned the Webb Ellis Cup for the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987.

It was made by Garrard and Co. of London and modelled on a 1906 trophy made by Carrington and Co. of London, designed by Paul de Lamerie. The Cup is made of gilt silver.

Its ornate, glimmering gold exterior symbolises world supremacy in rugby. Australia is the only country to have won the Cup twice. New Zealand and South Africa have each won the Webb Ellis Cup once and recently in Rugby World Cup 2003, England added it to their cabinet.

The nickname 'Bill' was given to the Cup by centre Anthony Herbert when the Wallabies won it in 1991. The tag emerged again in 1999 when 'Bring Back Bill' became the theme of the Wallaby campaign.

In 2003, Australia hosted Rugby World Cup and made it to the final but were defeated in extra time by England.