'Her contribution was profound': Scottish Rugby unveil Siobhan Cattigan trophy

Scottish Rugby have unveiled the Siobhan Cattigan Trophy ahead of this Sunday’s Guinness Women’s Six Nations encounter with Ireland.

It will be the first-ever standalone trophy contested in the women’s Championship.

The Trophy is named after Scotland international Siobhan Cattigan, who died aged 26 in 2021. She won 19 caps for Scotland between 2018 and 2021.

Cattigan described Scotland’s away win against Ireland in the 2018 Championship as a career highlight. Her appreciation for the victory was deepened by her family’s own ties to Ireland.

Hamilton & Inches – who also made the Doddie Weir Cup and Cuttitta Cup – have created the Siobhan Cattigan Trophy.

The trophy features the topography of Ben Ledi, a mountain in Stirling which indicated a return to Cattigan’s native Callander, and the stars above contain a diamond to represent her birthstone.

Cattigan’s parents sourced Beechwood from Callander to create the base, an image of Siobhan playing against Italy has been incorporated into the trophy, alongside one of her favourite quotes: “Good people plant trees so that people who follow will benefit from the shade.”

Siobhan’s mother, Morven, said: “That proverb was testament to her selfless nature, reflecting a life lived for others.

“Siobhan was a remarkable international athlete of substance and influence; a scholar who excelled academically; a teammate who elevated every environment she entered; a friend whose character, warmth and spirit left a lasting mark and a champion for women and girls in rugby, inspiring young players, transforming teams, and reshaping the future of women in sport.

“Her contribution was profound then, remains so now and will endure long into the future through this beautiful trophy which serves as a public celebration of Siobhan’s life, impact and legacy.”

Eight gemstones feature on the lid – two clue agates, two amethysts and four moonstones – to represent Cattigan playing No.8.

John McGuigan, Scottish Rugby Limited Chair, said: “This stunning, bespoke trophy is testimony to Siobhan and underlines she will never be forgotten. We are very proud of her, the contribution she made as a player to the game in Scotland and beyond and the legacy she will continue to provide.

“We thank sincerely Siobhan’s family and friends for so actively championing the trophy and so embracing the concept on which we worked with Hamilton & Inches and our colleagues in the Irish Rugby Football Union.”

Scottish Rugby and the IRFU have confirmed that the Cattigan’s family will be at the the Aviva Stadium this Sunday for Women’s Six Nations finale, where they will present the Siobhan Cattigan trophy.

Declan Madden, Chair of the Irish Rugby Football Union, said: “We are honoured going forward to be playing for the Siobhan Cattigan Trophy against our friends from Scotland.

“This trophy not only recognises the proud and competitive spirit between Ireland and Scotland but also ensures that the memory of Siobhan as a player, will continue to inspire current and future generations.

“On behalf of the IRFU, I would like to thank Siobhan’s family and our colleagues in Scottish Rugby for their support in bringing this meaningful initiative to life.”