ONE of the most famous occasions in Cornish rugby took place almost a century ago and it is a landmark achievement that the Cornwall RFU are planning to celebrate.

It was in 1908 that Cornwall became the only county ever to represent Great Britain at rugby in the Olympic Games. Unfortunately they were beaten by Australia in the final in London, but that hasn't prevented the Cornwall RFU and Rod Lyon, the past Grand bard of the Cornish Gorsedd, linking up in a bid to celebrate the Duchy's 1908 Olympic status.

"The object is to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the event in 2008," said county secretary Alan Mitchell, "and to try and arrange various Cornish cultural events over a week in July or August in 2008."

The idea was initially started during a discussion with Rod Lyon who will play a big part in organising some of the events, coupled with the assistance of Terry Bale, of Bude, who has organised various events and tours to Australia involving Cornish choirs.

"Among the subjects being discussed are choirs, Cornish folk music, and dancing at various venues around Cornwall," said Alan.

"On the rugby side of things, hopefully we will be able to start with a county-level rugby match Cornwall v Southern Hemisphere players (who now reside in the county) on the first weekend and finish with a fairly high-level prestige match, also involving a county team on the following weekend."

Lyon and Bale, who is going to Australia in November, will be attempting to gauge interest from "Down Under" towards possible rugby matches or sponsorship from that part of the world.

"Any proceeds accruing from these events will go towards funds for the John Kendall Carpenter Trust fund that assists Cornish youngsters to take part in all sports, and they have agreed for this to happen," said Alan.

Rugby in the Olympic Games was shortlived and by 1924 had been shelved from the world's biggest sporting event.

Only six countries have ever competed in the competition and Great Britain featured twice with Cornwall being the last team to have the honour in 1908.

Cornwall took part when the Games were held in London. Australia entered because the Wallabies were touring England and Wales and France were also expected to compete, but surprisingly were unable to raise a team. That left only Australia and Cornwall to contest the competition and in the final at the White City the Duchy were vanquished 32-3 after the Aussies ran in seven tries.