{"id":295459,"date":"2023-10-29T08:28:09","date_gmt":"2023-10-29T08:28:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports-life-news.com\/?p=295459"},"modified":"2023-10-29T08:28:09","modified_gmt":"2023-10-29T08:28:09","slug":"rugby-world-cup-trophy-reason-its-named-webb-ellis-cup-and-dons-a-pineapple","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports-life-news.com\/rugby-league\/rugby-world-cup-trophy-reason-its-named-webb-ellis-cup-and-dons-a-pineapple\/","title":{"rendered":"Rugby World Cup trophy – reason it’s named ‘Webb Ellis Cup’ and dons a pineapple"},"content":{"rendered":"

Lawes reviews England’s Rugby World Cup semi-final loss to South Africa<\/h3>\n

The Rugby World Cup is poised to reach an exciting crescendo on Saturday night, with New Zealand intent on denying South Africa a second successive global title. England will be forced to watch on from afar after falling short in their semi-final against the Springboks.<\/p>\n

The All Blacks had a comparatively simple route to Saturday’s showpiece event, thrashing Argentina 44-6. New Zealand and South Africa are the two most successful sides in the tournament’s history with three titles apiece.<\/p>\n

In fact, the pair have alternated Rugby World Cup triumphs since England last got their hands on the trophy in 2003. With fans from around the globe set to tune in and watch the high-stakes showdown, the trophy itself is sure to pose one or two questions.<\/p>\n

Here, Express Sport<\/em> delves into why the coveted silverware is named ‘Webb Ellis’, and why, curiously, it is topped with a golden pineapple…<\/p>\n

Don’t miss… <\/strong> Rugby World Cup brawl shown in fresh light in new England and Springboks footage<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Why is it called the Webb Ellis Cup?<\/strong><\/p>\n

Born in 1806, William Webb Ellis is credited by many as the inventor of the sport. While a pupil at Rugby School in Warwickshire, the story goes that he picked up the football during a match and started running with it.<\/p>\n

Webb Ellis’ name therefore became ingrained in rugby folklore, making him synonymous with the sport’s most glamorous trophy. However, claims that he truly invented rugby in 1823 have been widely disputed.<\/p>\n