Rugby-Pioneers: Historic jerseys stolen from Swansea R.F.C.

30/05/2013

Historic jerseys stolen from Swansea R.F.C.

Edit April 2014 : the stolen jerseys are safe back home!

This is not an usual "rugby-pioneers" post !

I'm helping Dave Dow, archivist at Swansea R.F.C. in Wales, to spread the word in the rugby memorabilia community that they had these four jerseys stolen from their clubhouse at the start of May, i.e.:

England and Wales jersey v Scotland and Ireland. Centenary Anniversary of game. Played at Rugby School 1923. worn and Presented by Rowe Harding.
Irish International jersey worn by George V Stevenson (wing three quarter) Ireland v Wales at Cardiff 1924
Japanese International rugby jersey, presented by Japanese rugby Union 1973.
Walker's XV jersey presented by Air Commodore Ranji Walker 1963

As Dave puts it:

Of the four jerseys, two are particularly special to us, Rowe Harding’s 1923 E/W v S/I at rugby School centenary jersey, and the 1924 Ireland jersey. The Japanese one and the Walker’s XV one are probably more valuable to the club that the general rugby collecting world. But where one turns up, others may follow.

It’s a long shot, but if you do happen to come across any talk of any of these jerseys being put up for sale, or any talk of the jerseys being in a location, would you be good enough to contact us through myself, direct to the club or to Swansea Police. I realise it’s very unlikely, but we’re determined to do all we can.