Collector’s Note
Forged in the decisive year of 1944, this medal was awarded to the rugby champions of the 179th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery, amidst the intense campaigns of the Second World War. The rugged, dynamic depiction of a tackle reflects the harsh realities of wartime, highlighting how soldiers relied on the brutal sport to maintain combat readiness and brotherhood. It remains a testament to the survival of the human and sporting spirit amidst global devastation.
Design & Craftsmanship
The obverse features the emblem of the Royal Regiment of Artillery—a field cannon beneath the royal crown—alongside the regiment’s historic mottoes “UBIQUE” (“Everywhere”) and “QUO FAS ET GLORIA DUCUNT” (“Where Right and Glory Lead”), framed by the inscription “WINNERS 1944 179 FIELD REGIMENT R.A.”. The reverse showcases a high-relief depiction of a rugby match in progress, capturing a ball carrier being tackled by an opponent with other players in pursuit to highlight the game’s physicality, teamwork, and endurance.
“Few rugby medals feature such a vivid on-field depiction—making this piece both visually striking and thematically rich.”
Specifications & Presentation
Struck in high relief as a military issue sports medal, this piece is crafted from bronze or a bronze-alloy and remains unhallmarked. It measures 25 mm in diameter and weighs approximately 9 grams. Because military rugby medals were often locally struck in small numbers for individual regiments during wartime, surviving pieces are exceptionally scarce compared to peacetime trophies.
Historical Significance
The 179th Field Regiment, Royal Artillery was a wartime unit formed in 1942 and deployed in Europe. During the hardships of 1944—the year of the Normandy landings and fierce European campaigns—regiments organized rugby competitions at home depots and overseas camps as a vital tool for morale-building, unit cohesion, and physical training. This medal directly links military history with rugby tradition, serving as a reminder of the courage and endurance demanded both on the battlefield and the sports field.
