Rare cased, sterling silver & enamel rugby football league medal presented to a player or official of Leeds Rhinos Rugby League Club as they finished runners up to Bradford Bulls in the 2003 Rugby League Challenge Cup Final.
At this time Wembley Stadium was under reconstruction so the Final was held at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff and the attendance was 71,212. The match took place on 26th April 2003 and in a hard fought encounter, Bradford Bulls won the Challenge Cup by a score of 22 - 20.
The front of this large, heavy sterling silver & enamel medal bears the Crests of Lancashire, Yorkshire & Cumbria and is embossed:
"RUGBY FOOTBALL LEAGUE"
The obverse is embossed & engraved:
"CHALLENGE CUP FINAL. RUNNERS - UP 2003"
The medal recipient is unknown.
The medal comes complete with its original presentation case by Fattorini & Sons of Bradford.
Sterling Silver Medal: Weight: 38.6 gm. Diameter: 38 mm. Hall Mark: Birmingham 2002. Maker's Mark: Fattorini & Sons.
Leeds Rhinos: A rugby league team based in the city of Leeds, West Yorkshire, they currently compete in the Super League, the top tier of British rugby league.
One of the most successful clubs in rugby league history they have won the Challenge Cup 14 times and finished runners-up 12 times. In addition they have won the League Championship 11 times and the World Club Challenge 3 times.
Summary: As can be seen from the photos & history (above) this is a very collectable rugby league medal, particularly of course to anyone connected with the Leeds Rhinos team. Good luck!
NOTE: Please see my other listing of a rugby league Challenge Cup R/U medal from the 2000 Final, also won by a Leeds Rhinos player or official. The medal came from the same collection so will have been won by the same individual.