The Prince William Cup was created in 2007 by the Welsh Rugby Union and celebrates 100 years of rugby union history between Wales and South Africa. It is named after the Vice Royal Patron of the WRU, William, Prince of Wales, who presented the cup, at the inaugural match, held at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on 24 November 2007.
Trophy The trophy was chosen by Prince William, from three different designs presented by specialist jewellers. Mari Thomas from Llanelli and Nicola Palterman from Neath won the commission to create the cup. The pair, who have exhibited their jewellery around the world from London to New York City, claim the creation of the 55 cm high, 1.5 mm gauge trophy as their biggest and most elaborate creation to date. The Prince William Cup is inspired by the landscapes of South Africa and Wales. The trophy is silver lined with 23 carat gold plate and is cone shaped tapering from 16 cm at the rim to 8 cm at its base. The trophy is the ninth of its type in world rugby and was presented to the winner of the first clash by Prince William himself.
Controversy The naming of the cup after Prince William has caused controversy in Wales. Opponents to the name called on the WRU to rename the trophy in honour of Welsh international rugby star Ray Gravell, who died on 31 October 2007. During a tribute to Gravell at the inaugural match the stadium announcer asked the crowd to remember Ray as 'gwir dywysog Cymru', a true prince of Wales. Gravell's funeral was attended by over 10,000 people, including Rhodri Morgan, First Minister of Wales. Following The Cambrian, calling for the cup to be renamed in tribute to Gravell, it was raised in the National Assembly for Wales by Plaid Cymru AM Bethan Jenkins, although the Welsh Government stated it has no view nor responsibility over the issue. Amongst MPs, Labour MP Paul Flynn and Plaid's Adam Price MP also called for the WRU to honour Ray Gravell, as did an online petition.
Matches DetailsPDSouth Africa pointsWales points South Africa 8 7 1 0 266 140 Wales 12 8 4 0 334 211 Neutral venue 2 1 1 0 61 35 Overall 22 16 6 0 661 386
Results – Summer Test – Autumn International
Year Date Venue Home Score Away Trophywinner200724 NovemberMillennium Stadium, Cardiff12–3420087 JuneFree State Stadium, Bloemfontein43–1714 JuneLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria37–2120088 NovemberMillennium Stadium, Cardiff15–2020105 JuneMillennium Stadium, Cardiff31–34201013 NovemberMillennium Stadium, Cardiff25–2920139 NovemberMillennium Stadium, Cardiff15–2420147 JuneKings Park Stadium, Durban38–1614 JuneMbombela Stadium, Nelspruit31–30201429 NovemberMillennium Stadium, Cardiff12–6201626 NovemberMillennium Stadium, Cardiff27–1320172 DecemberMillennium Stadium, Cardiff24–2220182 JuneRFK Stadium, Washington, D.C.20–22201824 NovemberMillennium Stadium, Cardiff20–1120216 NovemberMillennium Stadium, Cardiff18–2320222 JulyLoftus Versfeld, Pretoria32–299 JulyFree State Stadium, Bloemfontein12–13 16 JulyCape Town Stadium, Cape Town30–14202319 AugustMillennium Stadium, Cardiff16–52202423 NovemberMillennium Stadium, Cardiff12–45202529 NovemberMillennium Stadium, Cardiff0–73202618 JulyKings Park, Durban43–0
See also History of rugby union matches between South Africa and Wales
References