1971–72 John Player Cup
The 1971-1972 National KO Competition was the first rugby union cup competition (for clubs) in England. Gloucester won the competition defeating Moseley in the final. In the final the Moseley lock Nigel Horton floored Dick Smith (the Gloucester openside) with a punch during the second scrum of the game and was sent off by Ron Lewis the referee. Moseley ended the game with just twelve men after their two flankers, Tim Smith and Ian Pringle, were both carried off injured.[1]
The RFU introduced this new challenge cup which quickly emerged as England’s premier Rugby Union club competition event. The final was held at Twickenham Stadium. The principal event for Rugby Union club players at this time had been the County Championship because there was no official league table for clubs.[2]
Draw and Results
First Round
Second Round
Quarter Finals
Semi Finals
Final
| |
| 1 | Eric Stephens |
| 2 | Bob Clewes |
| 3 | Roy Morris |
| 4 | John Bayliss |
| 5 | John Dix |
| 6 | Tom Palmer |
| 7 | Mickie Booth |
| 8 | Robin Cowling |
| 9 | Mike Nicholls (c) |
| 10 | Mike Burton |
| 11 | Alan Brinn |
| 12 | Jim Jarrett |
| 13 | John Watkins |
| 14 | Mike Potter |
| 15 | Dick Smith |
|
|
|
| |
| 1 | Sam Doble |
| 2 | Keith Hatter |
| 3 | Malcolm Swain |
| 4 | Colin McFadyean |
| 5 | R Kerr |
| 6 | John Finlan |
| 7 | Jan Webster (c) |
| 8 | J Griffiths |
| 9 | Don Lane |
| 10 | Chris Morrell |
| 11 | R Morris |
| 12 | Nigel Horton |
| 13 | Tim Smith |
| 14 | J White |
| 15 | Ian Pringle |
|
|
|
References
- ↑ Jenkins, Vivian (1975). Rothmans Rugby Yearbook. Brickfield Publications Ltd. ISBN 0362-00221-5.
- ↑ "Times Archives". Oxfordshire Libraries.