Cadbury Shield Welcomed Home By Northland Rugby

One of Northland Rugby Union’s most historic trophies is now back where it belongs after an absence of nearly half a century.

The Cadbury Fry Hudson Trophy was presented back to the Union last night by Cadbury New Zealand Managing Director, Alastair De Raadt, at Whangarei’s Toll Stadium just before the ITM Cup clash between Northland and Hawkes Bay. And from 2012, Under 18 Northland tournament players can vie for their own place in rugby history as they compete for the restored Cadbury Shield.

“We’re thrilled to be able to hand this beautiful old trophy back to Northland Rugby. They do an amazing job nurturing young rugby talent in their community and have done so for so many years,” remarked De Raadt.

“The Shield represents somewhat of a time capsule for Cadbury, reminding us how far our national sport has come in this exciting year of rugby! But most importantly, of our proud community heritage here in New Zealand.”

There to welcome back this grand ol’ dame was ex All Blacks Glenn Taylor and Ian Dunn who both played in the junior tournament the trophy initiated. They were joined by excited club officials and thousands of locals who have either played in the junior tournament themselves or have watched generations of their families vie for the opportunity to compete.

The Cadbury Fry Hudson Trophy, initially presented to the Union in 1933, provided the springboard for many ‘Black Jerseys’ including legendary All Blacks Sid Going and Ian Jones. Unfortunately Jones is overseas but his proud father,Wok Jones was there to welcome back the treasured silverware.

The Cadbury Fry Hudson Shield was originally presented to Northland Rugby Union in 1933 for a new tournament designed to nurture promising junior players. The trophy simply vanished in 1963 so Northland Rugby was thrilled with the news that it had been recovered by Cadbury staff in Dunedin during a head office clean up some 48 years later!

After lovingly restoring the trophy, the Cadbury team contacted sports commentator Murray Deaker to help facilitate return of the trophy to its rightful home.

“We couldn’t believe it when we got the call. We are traditionalists up here in Northland and many of our older members remember the trophy from their youth so it has huge sentimental value to us.

“Words can’t describe how grateful we are to the folk at Cadbury for bringing her home to us,” says Paul Scott, Northland Rugby Board Member.

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