Rugby League and Rugby Union - Knowing the Trophies and Trophy Winners

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Rugby League and Rugby Union originated from a single sport called Rugby Football Union, which saw its beginnings in England. Sometime in the 19th century, several teams broke away, because of some disagreements in payments to its players. This breakaway group led to the rise of Rugby League, which now has simpler rules than Rugby Union. The two sports are now considered separate and distinct from one another, although both are equal in popularity in countries like Australia.


The latter, at present, is being governed across the globe by the International Rugby Board (IRB). Among the most prestigious Rugby Union trophies is the one awarded in its World Cup which takes place every four years. It is called the Webb Ellis Cup, which is named after William Webb Ellis. He was an English schoolboy who is believed to be the inventor of the sport. It was first awarded in 1987 and commissioned by the sport's governing board.

Its other celebrated competitions include the Six Nations Tournament and the Tri Nations, both separately crown their champions. The top-ranking international teams in this sport are Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, England, Wales, Scotland, and France. In the middle of all the worldwide competitions there are different test matches and series, usually part of the tours by national teams that normally happen from September to December and from June to August.

On the other hand, Rugby League is governed by the Rugby League International Federation (RLIF). The most coveted Rugby League trophy is the one awarded to the champion of its own World Cup, which prominently features the top 12 teams in the world and 2 qualifiers. It is also played every four years. Its other distinguished tournaments include the Women's RL World Cup, and the RL Four Nations. A separate crown is given in each competition, including regional ones, such as the RL European Cup, the Pacific Cup, and the Atlantic Cup.

The top nations of this sport are Australia, New Zealand, England, Fiji, France, and Papua New Guinea, where it is considered the national sport. These countries vie for several Rugby League trophies worldwide.

The Rugby League World Cup trophy was commissioned by Paul Barrière, who was the president of the league's French Federation, for the first RL World Cup in 1954, which was held in France. Their most celebrated trophy cost 8,000,000 francs at the time it was made and had a very colorful history, including its disappearance in 1970.