Thomas Lyte have crafted a modern masterpiece of strength and grace. The Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy celebrates the rise of a global game and the champions leading it forward.
Thomas Lyte are Royal Warrant holders as goldsmiths and silversmiths to His Majesty the King, and are globally recognised as world-class designers and makers of iconic professional sporting trophies. As proud British silversmiths, we craft enduring symbols of excellence. The Women’s Rugby World Cup is a exquisite example, set to be lifted for the first time in England, in 2025.
As British goldsmiths and silversmiths, and professional trophy maker for some of the world’s most iconic sporting events, Thomas Lyte are the official designers and makers of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Commissioned by World Rugby ahead of the expanded 2025 tournament, this bespoke trophy celebrates the rise of women’s rugby and honours the next generation of champions in women’s sport. Crafted by hand, in London, by our master artisans, it is a powerful symbol of excellence, ambition and equality.
Created by our master goldsmiths and silversmiths, the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy thoughtfully reimagines the original 1991 design, combining refreshed elegance with modern flair.
The classical twin-handled shape is crafted from hallmarked sterling silver and then plated in 24-carat gold. Furthermore, the body features a hand-chased lined texture alongside a world map motif that encircles it, symbolising the global reach of rugby. Each competing country is represented in expert detail. Meanwhile, the plinth is carefully designed to carry the names of past and future champions.
The new Rugby World Cup trophy will make its debut at the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup in England, where the tournament will welcome 16 teams for the first time. This milestone reflects the growing momentum of women’s sport and the rising global profile of women’s rugby.
Katy Daley-McLean, Former English international and Rugby World Cup winner said, “With the potential on this tournament being the biggest Women’s World Cup yet, it seemed an appropriate time for a new trophy. This trophy hopefully connects the past to the present allowing all to remember the trailblazing of those that came before us.”
Our mission statement at Thomas Lyte is to combine traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation to create world-class, bespoke silverware and professional sports trophies.
The Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy was developed through a detailed, multi-stage design process. It began with initial sketches and progressed to 3D renders and digital prototypes. Our in-house workshop team expertly refined every element along the way. Following this, our master goldsmiths and silversmiths brought the design to life using traditional techniques such as raising, soldering, chasing, polishing, and gold plating.
Standing at 38cm tall, the trophy notably matches the height of the Men’s Webb Ellis Cup. The result is a trophy crafted to the highest standards world-wide. It beautifully combines tradition and innovation on women’s rugby’s biggest stage for years to come.
At Thomas Lyte, we believe a trophy is a lasting symbol of achievement and aspiration.
The Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy stands as a new icon for the sport. Our master goldsmiths and silversmiths crafted the piece with care and pride. When the inaugural champions lift the trophy, it will carry the hopes of millions, inspiring new generations worldwide and honour every player who shaped the game.
England will host the 2025 Women’s Rugby World Cup, a landmark in the tournament’s evolution. The competition expands to 16 teams for the first time, highlighting the rising profile of women’s sport. As the tournament continues to flourish, it plays a vital role in inspiring future players globally.
The Women’s Rugby World Cup’s rise has been rapid and inspiring. Since the inaugural tournament in 1991, held in Wales, the competition has grown in stature and global appeal. Each iteration of the competition showcases the increasing skill, strength and passion of women’s rugby players from around the world.
Originally featuring 12 teams, the tournament quickly became the pinnacle of international women’s rugby. It has seen unforgettable moments, from New Zealand’s dominant performances establishing the Black Ferns as a global powerhouse, to England’s fiercely contested victories and the exciting emergence of new challengers across Europe, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.
This prestigious tournament, now paired with a new bespoke trophy crafted by Thomas Lyte’s expert goldsmiths and silversmiths, is a testament to the progress and global reach of women’s rugby as it carves its own powerful legacy.
In addition to designing and making the Women’s Rugby World Cup trophy, Thomas Lyte is proud to have designed and handcrafted the majority of the sport’s other major prizes including the Women’s Six Nations trophy and the Investec Champions Cup. Thomas Lyte are also the entrusted restores of the Webb Ellis Cup.
Our team make the conceivable possible, while preserving traditional skills, pioneering modern methods, and promoting authentic British craft across the globe. Combining the latest technologies with centuries of knowledge, Thomas Lyte’s silver workshops in London, England house world-class facilities for an elite team of designers and makers, masters of their craft. Learn about 3D printing, electroforming and other new technologies that our team have introduced to our sustainable handcrafting process.
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Materials. Sterling Silver + 24 Carat Gold Plate
Workshop Processes. Cleaning, Filing, Sanding, Soldering, Chasing, Polishing, Plating and Engraving
Thomas Lyte are proud to be the designers and makers of the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Take a glance at these fast facts about a new icon for the women’s game.
