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April

 

SCOTTISH DOUBLE WIN

by  Luke Baker

Friday March 25th 2021 will be probbaly remain in "Rugby history" as the extraordinary day . . . in Paris, Stade de France Les Bleus played vs. Scotland in the decisive game of Six Nations 2021.

France had the oportunity to win this traditional competition and leave Wales "behind" but the inspired Scotsmem had shown the commitment that led them to the deserved victory. So the Welshmen von 2021 Guinness Six Nations . . . and France is "only" the Vice-Champion.

This Game was in the same time the Memorial match for Auld Alliance Trophy.

Since 2018, France and Scotland are competeing for thisTrophy (Photo 1), which was commissioned by Scottish Rugby and the French Rugby Federation in tribute to the courageous rugby players from the two nations who gave the ultimate sacrifice during the First World War.

In all, 22 French and 30 Scottish internationals were killed in action, along with countless other club players from both nations.

It specifically commemorates the captains of the two nations in the last matches played before World War I – Eric Milroy (Scotland) and Marcel Burgun (France), both of whom perished in the conflict.

The driving force for the creation of the Trophy was Patrick Caublot from Amiens Rugby Club in France (www.memoirederugby.com) who worked alongside David Anderson QC, a great-great nephew of Milroy, in promoting the concept to both the FFR and Scottish Rugby.

And it had been contested once more on  mentioned Friday evening in the Final match of the 2021 Championships – where France aimed to win the Guinness Six Nations for the first time since 2010 but could also level the battle for the

Auld Alliance Trophy at 2-2.

Scotland won the Trophy the year it was commissioned by beating Les Bleus 32-26 in the 2018 Championship but France got their revenge 12 months later and lifted the silverware for the first time with a 27-10 triumph in Paris.

At BT Murrayfield 12 months ago (Photo 2), Scotland regained the Auld Alliance Trophy bragging rights with a 28-17 victory, so Fabien Galthié’s men would have dearly loved to celebrate with two trophies on Friday evening,  but . . .Scotland is now "leading" with 3 to 1 wins . . . 2022 at Murrayfield Les Bleus will have their "next chance" . . .

The physical trophy itself was designed and made by world-renowned trophy makers Thomas Lyte, using traditional silversmithing and goldsmithing skills, combined with leading edge modern methods.

The name is a reference to the 13th century Auld Alliance between France and Scotland.