Collector’s Note
Highlighting the heritage of island rugby through local heraldry, this 1932 medal commemorates an era when regional competitions fostered tight-knit sportsmanship in the British Overseas Territories. It serves as a tangible link to the formative years of organized rugby in Bermuda, capturing the deep-rooted competitive spirit that sustained the game far beyond the British Isles.
Design & Craftsmanship
The obverse features the Bermuda coat of arms—a lion holding a shield depicting a shipwreck—framed within a laurel wreath and accompanied by the legend “BERMUDA”. The reverse displays the multi-line legend detailing the event and the specific season (“BERMUDA RUGBY COMPETITION, NICHOLL SHIELD, 1931-32”).
“Struck in bronze as a round piece with a top suspension loop, this award measures 30 mm in diameter, 3 mm in thickness, and weighs 17.5 grams with a medal alignment.”
Historical Significance & Context
Issued for the 1931–32 season of the Bermuda Rugby Competition, this medal is tied to the historic Nicholl Shield—introduced by the Bermuda Athletic Association in the early 1920s as one of the island’s oldest and most enduring rugby knockout tournaments. Artifacts from this competition chronicle the vibrant history of early island rugby, reflecting local athletic organization and camaraderie decades before the establishment of modern international structures.
Looking Ahead
The Rugby Coin Museum remains committed to expanding its international collection, documenting significant discoveries, and creating new opportunities for collaboration with museums, collectors, sporting organizations, and supporters worldwide.
