User:The C of E/sa
| Sport | Rugby union |
|---|---|
| Instituted | 1920 |
| Number of teams | 2 |
| Country |  Jersey and  Guernsey |
| Holders | Jersey |
The Siam Cup is an annual Rugby Union competition held between the Channel Islands of Jersey and Guernsey. It was first contested in 1920.[1] In addition it is the second oldest trophy still contested in rugby behind the Calcutta Cup.[2]
Trophy[edit]
The trophy itself is made from Siamese Silver and decorated in Siamese style with the winning Island's name engraved on the ebony base.[3] It was created after an idea from British students serving in the Siam Constabulary for an inter-insular Rugby competition. The trophy is made from coinage of Siam ticals and required the permission of King Rama VI to melt the coins down. The King not only permitted it, he had the trophy created within the Royal Crown Silversmith.[4] The trophy was then taken to Guernsey by Lt. Col. Forty but was not presented until 1935.[5] During the Occupation of the Channel Islands by Nazi Germany during the Second World War, the trophy was hidden in an unknown place to prevent it being melted down by the Nazis with it eventually being rediscovered in 1947.[4] Due to age, the trophy started to deteriorate and a replica was commissioned with the original being handed to the Rugby Football Union in 1977[5] where it was placed on display at the World Rugby Museum at Twickenham Stadium in London, England.[6]
Competition[edit]
Jersey are the most successful island in the Siam cup with 53 wins compared to Guernsey's 15 wins with there only being 1 draw.[5] The rivalry is fierce and often leads to fights that have spilled into off field scuffles. In 2010 a Jersey player was allegedly assaulted by 2 Guernsey players seemingly in return for an assault on a Guernsey player by drunk Jersey players after a Siam Cup game.[7]
References[edit]
- ^ "Siam cup". Jersey RFC. Retrieved 2011-05-05.
- ^ "Siam Cup Preview". BBC. 2007-05-05. Retrieved 2011-05-05.
- ^ "Siam Cup". Island Life. Retrieved 2011-05-05.
- ^ a b "History - Siam Cup". Guernsey RFC. Retrieved 2011-05-05.
- ^ a b c "The Siam Cup: the Channel Islands' rugby trophy". BBC News. 2010-05-04. Retrieved 2011-05-05.
- ^ "Siam Cup". rfu.com. 1935-03-14. Retrieved 2011-05-05.
- ^ Article posted on 3rd May, 2010 - 2.29pm (2010-05-03). "Local player attacked in Town then Jersey Siam rival is beaten up in hotel room". This Is Guernsey. Retrieved 2011-05-05.
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