Moascar Cup History
The Moascar Cup is the oldest and most prestigious nationwide trophy in First XV rugby.
The Cup dates back to the end of World War One, when British, New Zealand and Australian soldiers camped at Moascar in Ismaila, Egypt and formed the Ismaila Rugby Union as they waited for ships to take them home.
They then organised a cup, which they mounted on a piece of wooden propeller from a shot down German aircraft. The New Zealand Mounted Rifles Unit and Depot won the competition, losing just one of their ten matches.
The Cup was then brought home and given to the New Zealand Rugby Union to be used as a challenge trophy for secondary schools. Over 100 years on from the end of the war, it has become one of the most coveted prizes in First XV rugby.