LOT 7 Circa 1973-1976 Wales |

Sir Gareth Edwards

International Rugby Union jersey match-worn by Sir Gareth Edwards

Jersey & Provenance

Jersey in original match-worn and complete condition. Bears manufacturer label for Umbro in orange diamond within two globes above ‘International Sportswear’, complete with buttons, No.9 and Prince of Wales feathers.

Provenance: the personal collection of Sir Gareth Edwards CBE & family.

Gareth Owen Edwards won his first international cap for Wales against France, on April 1st, 1967. He was 19 years old. The match ended with defeat to that season’s Five Nations Champions. But only a year later, Edwards became Wales’ youngest ever captain in February 1968 at the age of 20 and winning his first game in charge against Scotland. It was the beginning of the golden era for Wales.

It had been an exciting sporting journey for the young Gareth Edwards; born a miner’s son in Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen, in the Neath Valley, South Wales. He attended Pontardawe Technical School for Boys where he was taken under the wing of sports teacher Bill Samuel. He was awarded a scholarship to the prestigious Millfield Public School in Somerset.

Apart from rugby, Edwards was a natural sportsman, he played association football for West Wales Youth and even signing for Swansea Town at the age of 16. He was also a competent gymnast and an International track & field athlete. Between 1967 and 1978 Edwards won 53 caps for Wales, including 13 as captain. All his caps were won in succession; he never had a dip in form or an injury that would allow anybody else to take his place. He scored twenty tries in internationals.

This jersey was worn in a highly successful period for Wales. They were joint 5 Nations winners in 1973 and outright winners in 1975 and 1976 with a Grand Slam in ’76.

Sir Gareth Recalls

‘Pulling on a Welsh jersey for the first time and always was never to be forgotten! I/we were presented our shirts before each match by our Physio Gerry Lewis, who made it a special occasion. I kissed the badge upon receiving my first shirt and I did it for every match I played for Wales thereafter’.

Estimate: £5000-10000