New European Trophies Are Unveiled
As 40 teams prepare to set out on their much-anticipated inaugural European Rugby Champions Cup and European Rugby Challenge Cup campaigns, tournament organisers EPCR have today unveiled the prestigious new silverware which leading players across Europe will be dreaming of lifting in May 2015 and beyond.
In the same vein as the new-look tournaments, the design concept for the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup trophies seeks to combine the rich history and heritage of two decades of European competition with EPCR’s vision for professional club rugby in both established and emerging markets.
The bespoke trophies, made of mixed metals including sterling silver and 18ct gold plating, were crafted by the internationally renowned silversmiths, Thomas Lyte of London.
The unique and attractive designs are set to become iconic emblems of the European club game coveted by players the world over.
Both trophies will be on display at selected matches in the opening rounds of the Champions Cup and Challenge Cup tournaments which get underway on Thursday week (October 16).
EUROPEAN RUGBY CHAMPIONS CUP TROPHY
The European Rugby Champions Cup ‘Star Cup’ concept places the gold star – symbol of Europe and European representation – at the very heart of the design.
The trophy features a unique five handle concept which unfolds from the gold inset chalice and provides an overview of the gold star of Europe. The star serves to connect the first 19 years of European club rugby to the new EPCR era.
When viewed from the side, the five handle design also features a coronet effect to reflect the annual crowning of the ‘Kings’ of European professional club rugby.
Among the engraved detail are 20 stars representing the 20 elite teams participating in the European Rugby Champions Cup.
Nineteen stars running along the back handle simultaneously recognises the 19 European Cup winners from Toulouse in 1996 through to Toulon in 2014, while the 20th star sitting at the base of the chalice will honour the 20th champions who will be crowned in London in May 2015 as well as all future winners.
Another detail of note suggests that the annual winners of the European Rugby Champions Cup will be standing on the shoulders of giants.
The gold base plinth features engravings of the 10 sides who have previously lifted European club rugby’s premier trophy, starting with four-time champions, Toulouse, and followed by the next most successful clubs.
Represented on the gold base are: Toulouse, Leinster, Leicester Tigers, Wasps, Munster, Toulon, Bath, Brive, Northampton Saints and Ulster.
Height: 70cm
Weight: 13.5kg
Material: Sterling silver with 18ct gold plating handles and interior
Features: Five handle Star Cup design and cornet reflecting crowning of Kings of Europe
EUROPEAN RUGBY CHALLENGE CUP TROPHY
The European Rugby Challenge Cup’s hero design sees a rugby ball held aloft by sterling silver rods, which are topped by silver stars of Europe with the aim of reflecting EPCR’s vision and ambition for the tournament.
Core to the development of the European Rugby Challenge Cup is the objective of broadening the horizons of European professional club rugby, as well as providing a pathway for the aspirations of the emerging teams who can now compete alongside some of Europe’s more established sides from the three most powerful leagues.
Height: 60cm
Weight: 10kg
Material: Sterling silver with sterling silver band
Features: Rugby ball held aloft by bright sterling silver rods topped in stars