1971–72 RFU Knockout Cup explained

1971–72 RFU National KO Competition
Next Year:	1972–73

The 1971–72 National KO Competition was the first rugby union cup competition (for clubs) in England. Gloucester won the competition defeating Moseley in the final. In the final the Moseley lock Nigel Horton floored Dick Smith (the Gloucester openside) with a punch during the second scrum of the game and was sent off by Ron Lewis the referee. Moseley ended the game with just twelve men after their two flankers, Tim Smith and Ian Pringle, were both carried off injured.^[1]

The RFU introduced this new challenge cup which quickly emerged as England's premier Rugby Union club competition event. The final was held at Twickenham Stadium. The principal event for Rugby Union club players at this time had been the County Championship because there was no official league table for clubs.^[2]

Draw and results

First round

width=150	Team one	width=150	Team two	width=50	Score	width=150	Notes
		13-9
		11-4
		4-18
		30-6
		25-12
		10-3
		12-17
		26-3
		3-30
		17-10
		14-6

Second round

width=150	Team one	width=150	Team two	width=50	Score	width=150	Notes
		0-6
		10-10*	(* away team progress)
		15-4
		8-0
		12-4
		16-9
		3-30
		7-33

Quarter-finals

width=150	Team one	width=150	Team two	width=50	Score	width=150	Notes
		7-16
		4-9
		22-0
		4-28

Semi-finals

width=150	Team one	width=150	Team two	width=50	Score	width=150	Notes
		6-6*	(away team progress)
		18-10

Final


	15	Eric Stephens
	14	Bob Clewes
	13	Roy Morris
	12	John Bayliss
	11	John Dix
	10	Tom Palmer
	9	Mickie Booth
	1	Robin Cowling
	2	Mike Nicholls (c)
	3	Mike Burton
	4	Alan Brinn
	5	Jim Jarrett
	6	John Watkins
	7	Mike Potter
	8	Dick Smith


	15	Sam Doble
	14	Keith Hatter
	13	Malcolm Swain
	12	Colin McFadyean
	11	Roy Kerr
	10	John Finlan
	9	Jan Webster (c)
	1	J Griffiths
	2	Don Lane
	3	Chris Morrell
	4	R Morris
	5	Nigel Horton
	6	Tim Smith
	7	J White
	8	Ian Pringle

Notes and References

Book: Jenkins, Vivian. Rothmans Rugby Yearbook. 1975. Brickfield Publications Ltd. 0362-00221-5.
Web site: Times Archives. Oxfordshire Libraries.