An action-packed weekend of competition is just around the corner, but not all of it will be on the water. The famous IOS vs Rest of the World Rugby Match is a well-established feature of the World Pilot Gig Championships. 2023 will be a particularly special match, as players and spectators mark 30 years of this annual tradition.
We caught up with Milly Edwards, the President of Truro RFC, who has been involved since day one and who is working hard to keep this tradition alive.
When and where does the match take place?
Milly: The match takes place on Monday morning at 9.30am. You will find us on the Garrison Field which is up past the Star Castle Hotel and on your left before you get to the campsite.
Can anyone attend the match?
Milly: Absolutely! All are welcome to spectate and we are looking for rugby players to join in.
If you are interested in joining the squad click this link to join the WhatsApp group or text/call Milly at 07974 441236.
You don’t need to be an experienced rugby player, over the years we have had people of all abilities – it just adds to the fun!
How did the match first come about and what did it set out to achieve?
Milly: The first match took place following the 1991 champs after a conversation between myself, Brian Chenoweth and David ‘Tatty’ Muirhead – the then-chair of the CPGA. Tatty took to the stage to invite anyone keen to play rugby to look for us to register, and the rest is history!
David ‘Tatty’ Muirhead pictured on the right. Source: Cornish Memory
Who was involved in the first one and do you remember any standout moments?
Milly: There was a large uptake from the outset as a high number of gig rowers were also rugby players.
The islanders turned up with their rugby shirts and their boots – and used the changing room.
The mainland turned up in t-shirts and flip flops and changed under the big fir tree.
In typical rugby fashion, it was all one big joke, but both teams played to win!
Steve Douglas, who was the Harbour Master at the time, did his best to referee the rabble in the early days.
Which was your first match?
Milly: I was there at the start and have been organising, playing, or refereeing each year since.
Are there any highlights from over the years?
Milly: One highlight was watching Tony Cook, the most capped Cornwall player, on one occasion play alongside a total rugby novice. That must have made a change from his usual game!
It’s been a real highlight to see how the match has progressed – the early years saw mainly players from Cornish clubs. As the sport spread, so have the range of players – including several Dutch and one American!
The team was always finalised on the day and typically depends on whoever was still standing following the celebrations the night before! There was never a shortage of volunteers for the after-match boat race, which is just as fiercely contested as the rugby.
One year there was a conker contest too, for good measure.
Now for the all important question – who has won the most?
Milly: As an estimate, I’d say that honours are even with both the rugby and the boat race. The ‘Mainland’ think that they are ahead on wins but the ‘Scillies’ think that they are!!
How has the event changed over the years?
Milly: The biggest change has come about due to a few injuries sustained during the match. Being an island and with limited hospital access, insurance cover became essential, which is being arranged for 2023.
A mighty team from a few years ago
What are the hopes for the future and why is it important that it continues?
Milly: The hope is that rugby will be resurrected on the Islands to include mini-rugby and all-inclusive play.
There will be sponsored rugby shirts for sale – all proceeds will go to making this a reality.
How do people register interest?
Milly: We are really keen to make this match a reality this year!
You can click this link to join the WhatsApp group or text/call Milly at 07974 441236. We are on the Islands all weekend but will be working to collate names to put a team together.
I’m interested! Where do I go and at what time?
Milly: Meet at the Garrison on Monday 1st May around 9.30am for a 10:00am kick off.
Any final words?
Milly: Let’s get the Tregarthen’s trophy, Adam Mallen trophy and the winners trophy back into the hands of ‘the rest of the world’ rugby squad!
Want to hear more from Milly about the annual rugby match? Check out this interview at 09:37
I been coming out to the Gig Weekend for many years and as well as the Rugby match on the Monday morning we also had a golf competition between the Islanders and Rowers followed by a lunch. I tried to make contact and resurrect this last year and spoke to the Golf Club Steward and the Men’s Captain, but it was too short of notice to arrange anything. Would it be possible to try for this year?
There are a lot of golfers amongst the Rowers as well as Rugby players.
Hi Deb, that sounds like a fantastic tradition! Feel free to tag us on social media and we’d be happy to share a post.