Rugby legend Mark Ella said it was a “great honour” that the Cook Cup was renamed to honor his rugby heritage.
The cup, named after captain James Cook, was presented to the winner of the international test series between Australia and England for a quarter of a century, soon to be known as the Ella-Mobbs Trophy.
Bidjigal and Yuin man Ella, who was inducted into the Australian and International Rugby Hall of Fame, played 25 Tests for the Wallabies between 1980 and 1984 and represented alongside his brothers Glen and Gary.
Edgar Mobbs played for England over a century ago before he was killed in action in the First World War.
The Sydney Morning Herald has first reported that Rugby Australia and England’s Rugby Football Union have agreed to the change ahead of England’s upcoming tour down.
Speaking to NITV News, Ella said he was “surprised” when he was first asked about the honour.
“When they said Ella-Mobbs I kind of took it for granted that obviously it was me and my brothers, not realizing that former England player Mr Mobbs was also part of the trophy” , did he declare.
“It’s a great honour. I thought I retired from rugby many years ago, but I still seem to be lingering a bit at the moment.”
Rugby Australia has been contacted for comment.
Ella said he was in talks with the governing body over the possibility of being on hand to present the trophy to the winners of next month’s series, with the third Test due to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground on July 16.
“I think they want me to play a part. I might not be able to do that, especially for the last test match in Sydney,” he said.
“But you know, again, everything is breaking now, so I kind of have to think about it and see what they want from me.”
