Description
Rugby Union – Australian Wallabies – RWC 2003 Signed Captains Lithograph
Now, a celebration of Rugby World Cup memories has been preserved for the ages in a marvellously realised work of art. October 10th 2003, Warriors from across the globe did battle on Australian soil – fiercely passionate, National pride on the line. Over 44 days, across 6 states and 10 venues, the Elite players from the top 20 nations competed for what has become rugby’s Holy Grail – The Webb Ellis Cup. This is heaven on earth… this is – ‘The Power & The Glory’. Since its inception in 1987, Rugby World Cup has given us much drama to savour. Who can forget the ‘All Blacks’ great win in the Final over France in the inaugural tournament, or the surprise packet of the tournament – Fiji – beating the seeded Pumas and giving France a huge scare in the quarter-finals… 1991 and Australia reigned supreme, the magic of Campese and that ‘pass of the tournament’ – culminating in Michael Lynagh’s last-gasp try to give Australia a one – point win and break Irish hearts… 1995 – big Jonah Lomu was the name on everybody’s lips. England ’s Mike Catt never imagined himself to be a speed hump until he met head-on the steamroller in black. And the enduring image of Nelson Mandela in a No.6 Springboks jersey, presenting the cup to the victorious Francois Pienaar – a moment that united a nation…
And 1999, in the ‘upset of the tournament’ – France beating the All Blacks to reach the Final. And the rallying cry going out around Australia – “Bring back Bill!” …and John Eales’ Wallabies did just that. Acclaimed Australian artist, Mark Sofilas has superbly brought to life the drama, the spectacle, the emotion and the true essence of Rugby World Cup in ‘The Power & The Glory’. Central to the piece is a magnificent rendering of The Webb Ellis Cup surrounded by the four winning captains – each proudly holding aloft the symbol of World Rugby Supremacy. Beautifully depicted in oils, each brushstroke pays tribute to the integral aspects of ‘the Union game’ – The Pride of the combatants, the awesome power of the players, and the fans to whom rugby is truly a passion. The artist’s detail is astounding and is handsomely complemented by the emblems of each of the 20 participating nations.
To complete this historic release, and a first for any collectors’ item of this nature… the signatures of the 20 captains of Rugby World Cup 2003. ‘The Power & The Glory’ is a landmark rugby collectable you will be proud to own, and an important investment in rugby history for future generations. Each fine art lithograph is reproduced on heavy archival paper stock to stand the test of time. Every piece is accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity and Limitation, signed by an audit partner of the major independent accounting firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers. Each edition is personally signed by the 20 Rugby World Cup captains; a first for collectors, and guaranteeing the uniqueness of this inspirational fine art recreation. The artist responsible for capturing the magic of Rugby World Cup, Mark Sofilas, has also signed each edition.
- Limited edition of 250 only
- Signed by the 20 Captains of the RWC 2003
- Authenticated and certified by PricewaterhouseCoopers
- Officially licensed by the ARU
- Print Size Approx: 1200 mm x 800 mm
- Please note – edition number may vary to the one pictured in the listing
