The two nations first met at Cardiff Arms Park on 12 December, 1908, with the home side triumphing 9-6. Wallaby skipper Paddy Moran was chaired off the field by Welsh fans that day, but whoever wins 100 years on will carry off the James Bevan Trophy.
Commissioned by International Business Wales, the economic arm of the Welsh Assembly Government, the trophy honours the memory of James Bevan, the Australian-born player who was Wales’ captain in their first international against England in 1881
The trophy is played for each time the two sides meet outside of Rugby World Cup encounters. Australia are the current holders, having triumphed in the 2007 summer series on home soil, 2-0.
Wales First Minister Rhodri Morgan will present the Trophy to the winning captain on the Millennium Stadium pitch tomorrow (Saturday 29 November).
Former Wales captain Gareth Davies, who currently heads up International Business Wales’ operations in Australia and New Zealand, played against the Wallabies both home and away and is delighted to see the teams playing for a trophy.
“International Business Wales was delighted to present this trophy to the two sides that have so much history between them. Both Wales and Australia are highly passionate rugby nations and it is appropriate that the trophy is named after a man who shared a great affinity between these two countries,” said Davies.
WRU Chairman David Pickering said: “As a former captain of Wales myself, it is always humbling to learn about the history of rugby union and about those who have paved the way for the game’s growth and development as a sport. This trophy represents the rugby communities of Wales and Australia and will serve to help remind us all of the early days of rugby union.”
James Bevan’s grandson, David, who will be a guest of the Welsh Rugby Union at tomorrow’s match, said: “The news of the creation of the James Bevan Trophy was very exciting for us as a family. Although James only played for, and captained, Wales on one occasion – against England in 1881 – we feel it is a fitting tribute to him as the first captain of the Welsh rugby team. He was known in the family as a great character and we are very proud.”
ARU President Paul McLean said the James Bevan Trophy was a fitting symbol of the long-standing affiliation between the two rugby nations.
“Australia and Wales first played Test rugby in 1908 and the James Bevan Trophy is an entirely appropriate symbol of the rugby history these two nations share,” Mr McLean said.
