The champions of next weekend's HSBC World Rugby Singapore Sevens, which returns after a 10-year absence, will hold aloft a trophy befitting the occasion.
The 38-centimetre-tall piece of silverware, which arrived from England yesterday, is designed by London-based luxury silversmiths Thomas Lyte and took 36 hours to produce. The contemporary matte-silver prize is flared towards the top and features three decorative rings near the base.
Thomas Lyte, appointed by Queen Elizabeth II as royal silversmiths, are also the creators of iconic trophies for football's FA Cup, tennis' ATP World Tour Finals and rugby's Six Nations.
They will supply the silverware for the plate, bowl and shield finals, as well as individual medals in Singapore. They are also responsible for all the prizes at the 10th and final leg of the World Rugby Sevens Series in London.
Low Teo Ping, chairman of organiser Rugby Singapore, said: "We are pleased to have worked with the craftsmen at Thomas Lyte to produce a lasting prize that befits a tournament of this stature."
The April 16-17 tournament will be held at the National Stadium and is the eighth leg of the World Series.
Low added: "It has been 10 years since Singapore last hosted a world-class rugby sevens event.
"It is indeed exciting as we welcome the world to our doorstep, and this is looking to be a great tournament on and off the field."
The Singapore Sevens features 16 world-class sevens teams, including those from rugby powerhouses South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and defending champions Fiji.
Global stars like All Blacks' Sonny Bill Williams and American Carlin Isles will be in action. After six rounds, Fiji lead the standings with 106 points, one ahead of South Africa and two clear of the All Blacks.
Alvin Chia
