LOT 21 1969 Fiji | Semesa Sikivou

International Rugby Union jersey match-worn by Semesa Sikivou versus Wales XV

Jersey & Provenance

Jersey in original and complete condition, small Canterbury label, square canvas badge with embroidered black palm tree and inscribed FIJI RU, black fabric No.9 to reverse.

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

Semesa Sikivou

Sikivou won seven caps for the Fijians between 1969 and 1973, scoring three tries.

The Match

Worn by the Fijian scrum half in the match at Buckhurst Park, Suva on 25th June 1969, with Gareth Edwards his opposite number. The match was Wales’ final game on their tour of Oceania. Wales won the match 31-11 with three Welsh tries from No.8 Dennis Hughes, one from Maurice Richards, and another from John Taylor. Fiji scored two tries, one of which was by Semesa Sikivou in this jersey.

Welsh matches versus Fiji were not classed as full internationals until 1985.

Sir Gareth Recalls

‘A match we had to win! In 80 degrees against Fiji, it wasn’t easy, but Dennis Hughes had an outstanding and herculean performance’.

Estimate: £500-800