Wallabies to play England for the new Ella-Mobbs Cup

Australia and England will play for a new trophy when the two nations face off in next month’s England Series; the Ella-Mobbs Cup – named after two iconic Rugby figures from each nation.

Australia and England first played against each other in a Test match in 1909 in London. With such a vast history between them, Rugby Australia and the Rugby Football Union made the joint decision that the trophy should better represent, and celebrate the proud Rugby history of both nations. 

Recently, Australia and England have played for the Cook Cup – which will now be retired.

Mark Ella is a Wallabies legend. The first indigenous Captain of the Wallabies, the Fly-Half is widely regarded as one of the most naturally gifted players in Australian Rugby history. 

An instinctive genius, Ella made history in Australia’s ‘Grand Slam’ tour of 1984 by scoring a try in each of the four Test matches. At the age of 25, and at the peak of his powers, Ella retired from Rugby having played 25 times for Australia – ten times as Captain.

Ella is a Member of the Order of Australia, an inductee of the International Rugby Hall of Fame, and one of the five initial inductees in the Wallaby Hall of Fame in 2005.

The Ella name is one of the most famous in Australian sport, with Mark, his twin brother Glen, and younger brother Gary remarkably having all played for the Wallabies. 

Edgar Mobbs played in the very first Test match between Australia and England in 1909, scoring the hosts’ only try in a 9-3 loss to the visitors at Rectory Field in London.

A prolific try-scoring back with an unorthodox and loose-limbed running style, Mobbs was named Captain of England in 1910, and starred in the nation’s Championship-winning season that year.

At 32, Mobbs was refused commission at the start of the First World War. Undeterred, he proceeded to arrange his own fighting force, ‘D Company’ of the 7th Northants.

He returned to England in 1916 a Lieutenant Colonel and having been awarded the Distinguished Service Order, before being killed in action the following year during the third Battle of Ypres. His body was never found.

The Ella-Mobbs Cup has been specially designed to incorporate elements of both players’ families, heritages, their countries, and cultures – it depicts a common story for both men; resilience, excellence, and belonging.

The new Cup features design elements and materials that are of significance to the Ella family, from the Yuin nation on the south coast of New South Wales, and to Edgar Mobbs, from Northamptonshire in the Midlands of England.

It has been designed by Narooma artist, Natalie Bateman – herself a member of the Yuin nation, and a niece of Mark Ella.

The Ella-Mobbs Cup will be revealed in Perth on Friday 1st July ahead of the First Test between the Wallabies and England the following evening. 

Rugby Australia CEO, Andy Marinos

“Rugby Australia and the Rugby Football Union are proud to introduce a new trophy that, we believe, is an outstanding representation of the Rugby histories of both nations.

“Australia and England first played against each other over 113 years ago – when we looked at this extraordinarily long and proud Rugby history, it was logical that our trophy should represent and celebrate that history.

“Mark Ella is one of the most famous and loved Australian Rugby players – both in terms of his success, and the way that he played the game… He is revered for his enterprising and dynamic style, and the unbridled joy that he gave Rugby fans who had the privilege of watching him.

“We are thrilled to be able to further acknowledge the contribution that Mark Ella has made to our sport in Australia.” 

Rugby Football Union CEO, Bill Sweeney

This trophy represents the historic rivalry and respect between England and Australia, recognising two players who have contributed to both this fixture and each of our nations’ histories.

“Edgar Mobbs was a great player for club and country, captaining Northampton for six years, gaining 234 caps as well as seven caps for England – his try-scoring debut being against Australia. However, today Mobbs is known as much for his heroic bravery as he is for his rugby prowess. 

“Having been told he was too old to serve in World War One, he set up his own company, recruiting 264 to serve with him. After sadly losing his life in battle in 1917, the Edgar Mobbs Memorial Match was established to recognise his service to rugby and his country. This fixture was first played in 1921 and still takes place today.

“This trophy not only represents the history of this fixture, but also the enduring legacy that role models can have in our sport. We could not be prouder to play for the Ella-Mobbs Cup.”