The 1905 Originals
In 1965 Tycroes Rugby Football Club opened their new clubhouse at Cae Gelli, Penygarn Road. Proudly displayed in a cabinet was an original 1905 New Zealand Originals Shirt. The shirt was worn during the New Zealand victory over Swansea RFC by 4 points (drop goal) to 3 (try) on December 30th 1905.
The shirt was on open display for some years, then concern for the security of such a historical sporting artefact made the club preserve it in a secure place.
In 2011 With the Club Centenary fast approaching the committee decided that the shirt should be on display once again, the question was where?
Substantial Offers were made to purchase the shirt by private collectors Worldwide and consideration was given to putting the shirt up for auction. The WRU heard about the shirt and contacted the club and offered to display the shirt in a safe location at the the recently renamed Principallity Stadium, the home of Welsh Rugby. This was again discussed at length and eventually agreed by the club.
Prior to taking the shirt to Cardiff in 2012, Mrs Tina Downes a recognised authority on New Zealand rugby shirts through their history visited the club and inspected the shirt. She concluded that the shirt was genuine and added that of all the Originals 1905 shirts she had seen this one was in the best condition.
There are believed to be only 6 shirts remaining in existence.
Mrs Downes then presented the club on behalf of The New Zealand Rugby Museum with a replica shirt made with cloth woven in exactly the same way as the original and at the same mill.
The original shirt remains the property of Tycroes RFC and is proudly displayed in the Former International Players Bar at The Princiappality Stadium.
Former Captain Con Mathias dons the famous 1905 All Blacks Shirt
BBC Wales
Carmarthen Journal
South Wales Guardian
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