Allan Jacobsen to have trophy created in his honour

IT IS debatable where Allan Jacobsen might place a cauliflower on his list of culinary delights, but Scotland’s most-capped prop has welcomed the news that a trophy is to be created in the shape of one in his honour.

The 34-year-old announced his retirement from professional rugby this week and yesterday he spent a strange hour in a dentist’s chair at club sponsor Smile Plus having what has become his famous “cauliflower ear” moulded.

The mould is to be used to create an annual trophy that will be awarded to the player who, according to Edinburgh Rugby, “has demonstrated the dedication epitomised by the side’s longest-serving, record appearance holder”.

Jacobsen, nicknamed ‘Chunk’ and famed for his appetite for pies and pints, will be presented with the inaugural 2012-13 award in the supporters’ bar after the last game of the season against Dragons at Murrayfield on Friday, with fans then invited to elect the annual winner in perpetuity.

The club’s new managing director, David Davies, explained: “Playing for Edinburgh Rugby has meant the world to ‘Chunk’, whose commitment to the jersey has been exemplary.

“He’s a local boy who’s been a fans’ favourite for 16 years and we think it’s fitting to create an award which combines his connection with our supporters with the qualities that have made him so popular.

“Allan’s one of eight players leaving the club at the end of the season and the trophy is one of many initiatives designed to make it a special occasion for players and supporters alike.”

Jacobsen admitted that he found it a bizarre way to mark his career, but was delighted that the club wished to use his name to inspire future players.

He said: “It was definitely a strange feeling to have my ear filled with paste to make the mould, and even stranger to think it’s going to be part of a trophy for years to come, but it’s a really nice gesture from the club. I’m honoured.

“I’ve always wanted to do my best for Edinburgh, so it’s nice to think that the players down the line that have shown the most commitment to the jersey will get recognition from the fans – even if it is a mould of my ear!”