Swannies win Jon Ellwood Memorial Trophy

This afternoon, the Vietnam Swans took out the Jon Ellwood Memorial Trophy for the 2nd Touch Rugby World Cup Tournament hosted by the Saigon Geckos Rugby Club.

The Vietnam Swans, comprising Derrin, Fleur, Cheryl, Rozza, Matt Nattalotto, Chris, Heath and Trent,  played the Commonwealth in the Final. On the day, the Swannies had more answers than the latter and recorded a strong victory to very proudly claim the Jon Ellwood Memorial Trophy.

While the Swannies have won plenty of friendlies before, today was the first time that we have won an actual tournament.

Jon Ellwood Memorial Trophy

At 11.05pm on 12 October 2002, a bomb hidden in a backpack ripped through the Sari Club in Bali, killing 202 people and injuring a further 209.

Amongst the dead was Jon Ellwood, Director of Studies at The International School in Ho Chi Minh City, Member of Saigon Rugby Club, and good friend respected by all who knew him. A Briton by birth and a humanist by temperament, Jon was a dedicated teacher visiting Bali to attend a conference.

In 2003 the Saigon Rugby Club renamed their Annual Corporate Touch Tournament and, in his honour, presents the winners with the Jon Ellwood Memorial Trophy.

Congratulations to the Saigon Rugby Club for organising such a professional tournament. And congratulations to the Vietnam Swans for winning the John Ellwood Memorial Trophy.

For some grainy photos of the day, click onto the Vietnam Swans Web Album.

Background to Jon Ellwood Memorial Trophy provided by the Saigon Geckos Rugby Club.

Comment from Brian O’Rielly

Great win (to the Swannies) and I was sorry that I couldn’t make the tournament. Jon Elwood was a good friend of mine and it is great to see that he is still remembered so well.

The good news was that I was with many Kiwis watching Australia beat them in the last minute in the rugby (test match in Hong Kong). A great result. However. I think I was supporting the losing side in the International Rules (Ireland Vs Australia).