Springboks: Best Team Ever? – Rugby World Issue 319 with Henry Slade Exclusive
why teh Exeter Chiefs center is still a key piece of the England puzzle
Henry Slade is this month’s Rugby World cover star while we also boldly declare Rassie Erasmus’s Springboks as the best team ever…
We took a trip down to Devon to hear from the Exeter Chiefs and England centre on his club’s remarkable revival of fortunes and why he still feels central to Steve Borthwick’s plans.
Read more: Six Nations 2026: All you need to know ahead of this year’s championship
What’s in this month’s Rugby World issue?
Table of Contents
The England man reveals how a spot of drunk gardening helped him process his World Cup
proper tours are back; here’s what the coaches, and star players think of the new South africa-All Blacks touring agreement. Starting in SA in 2026
The Rugby world Cup Trophy: Origins and Importance
The Rugby World Cup Trophy, awarded to the winner of the Rugby World Cup, is a symbol of rugby union’s ultimate achievement, replacing the original trophy in 2009. The current trophy is made of sterling silver and gold,and stands 38.1 centimeters (15 inches) tall and weighs 6.8 kilograms (15 lbs).
The story of the Rugby World Cup trophy is intertwined with the history of the tournament itself. The first Rugby World Cup was held in 1987, and the inaugural trophy was the Webb Ellis Cup, named after William Webb Ellis, credited with inventing the sport in 1823. However,the webb Ellis Cup had limitations; the International Rugby board (now World Rugby) resolute that, due to the trophy’s age and the restrictions on perpetual ownership, a new trophy was needed.
In 2009, a new trophy was commissioned and unveiled. Designed by william May FRSA,the new trophy features a design based on the swirling vines of a rugby ball. It’s a departure from the more traditional cup shape of the Webb Ellis Cup, representing the dynamic and evolving nature of the sport. The original Webb Ellis Cup is now displayed at the World Rugby Hall of Fame in Twickenham, England.
The design and Materials of the Current Trophy
The current rugby World Cup Trophy is crafted from sterling silver and gold,reflecting the prestige of the tournament. The trophy’s design incorporates three distinct handles, representing the core values of rugby: integrity, passion, and respect.
The trophy’s creation involved a meticulous process. William May’s design was selected from a pool of submissions, and the actual crafting was undertaken by Garrard & Co., a British silversmith with a long history of creating prestigious objects, including royal regalia. The trophy took approximately six months to create, involving over 200 hours of labor. The base of the trophy is engraved with the names of all previous winners, adding to its past significance.
according to World Rugby’s official website, the trophy’s weight is 6.8 kilograms (15 lbs) and its height is 38.1 centimeters (15 inches). The gold plating weighs approximately 5 kilograms.
Rules for Trophy Ownership and Handling
Unlike many sporting trophies, the Rugby World Cup Trophy is not awarded to a nation to keep permanently. World Rugby retains ownership, and the winning team receives a temporary custodian role.
The winning team gets to display the trophy in their country for a year following their victory, but it must be returned to World Rugby before the next tournament. Strict security protocols are in place during this period to ensure the trophy’s safety. The trophy is accompanied by a dedicated World Rugby representative during its travels.
In 2023, south Africa, as the reigning champions, undertook a nationwide trophy tour, allowing fans across the country to celebrate their victory. South African Rugby detailed the tour schedule and security measures implemented during the event.Any damage to the trophy while in the possession of the winning nation results in financial penalties.
The Webb Ellis Cup: The Trophy’s Predecessor
The Webb Ellis Cup served as the Rugby world Cup trophy from the inaugural tournament in 1987 until 2007. It was named in honour of William Webb Ellis, the Rugby School student who, in 1823, is credited with first picking up and running with a ball during a football game, an act considered the birth of rugby football.
The original Webb Ellis Cup was a silver trophy donated by the Rugby Football Union. However, World Rugby decided to replace it with a new, more substantial trophy due to the limitations of the original. The Webb Ellis Cup could not be permanently awarded to a winning nation due to its historical significance and the need to preserve it.
As of 2024, the Webb Ellis Cup is permanently displayed at the World Rugby Hall of Fame in Twickenham, England, allowing fans