LOT 28 1973 Canada | Frank Deacy

International Rugby Union jersey match-worn Frank Deacy versus Wales

Jersey & Provenance

Jersey in complete and original condition. Bears label for Umbro (two globes), printed Umbro to hem, maple crest badge emblazoned with ‘CANADA’ in yellow on black ribbon, black fabric No.9 to reverse.

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

Frank Deacy

Francis ‘Frank’ Deacy (1945-2008) was born in Galway, Ireland in 1945, he went on to play scrum half for his school, his local Galway club and university. Emigrating to Newfoundland in the early ‘70s, Deacy became one of the founding members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Rugby Union clubs as well as Swilers Club RFC in St Johns, Newfoundland. He was a teacher in Witless Bay when he received the call up for the match against Wales XV.

Deacy, who died at the age of 68, was one of the major driving forces behind the development of rugby in Canadian’s Eastern Seaboard, he was said to be dedicated to the sport of rugby union and a major influence in the commencement of the women’s game in Canada.

The Match

This jersey was worn by Deacy against a selected Wales XV at the Varsity Stadium, Toronto on June 9th, 1973.

Welsh matches against Canada were not at this time categorized as Tests - Welsh players did not receive a cap against Canadian opposition until the 1987 inaugural World Cup. Nevertheless, the team to take on Canada in ’73 was full of star names and prodigious Welsh talent, including Phil Bennet, JPR Williams, Mervyn Davies and Sir Gareth Edwards. Wales won the match 58-20.

Sir Gareth Recalls

Estimate: £400-600

‘Although not a test match in name, the Canadians were a formidable opponent and we had to be at our very best to beat them. This match and the tour helped form the Welsh team for the next couple of seasons’.