LOT 33

1975 Carwyn James International XV | G J R Thomas

Rugby Union jersey match-worn by Gareth J R Thomas versus Newport RFC

Jersey & Provenance

All white jersey in complete and original condition. Label for Bukta with embroidered Bukta Sportswear logo to chest, opposite embroidered black Newport badge of suspended medallion in yellow background with wings atop, embroidered ‘CENTENARY 1974-75’ below. Black No.3 in canvas white square to reverse.

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

Gareth Thomas

The tight-head prop for this special match was Gareth J R Thomas who acted as a late replacement for Mike Burton. Gareth was son of JBG Thomas (1917-1997), the celebrated rugby writer and chief rugby writer at the Western Mail.

G J R Thomas played 8 times for the RAF in the Inter Services Matches in the 1970s and 1980s. While a Flying Officer stationed at RAF Benson, he played tight head for the RAF v the Army in 1974, that RAF team was captained by Jeff Young. He did not play again for the RAF in an Inter Services match until 1980. He was then a Flight Lieutenant stationed at Brize Norton. In that match he played in the backrow, and he remained in that position for the rest of his RAF career.

He also served at RAF Odiham and West Drayton and he played his last Inter Services match against the Army in 1983.

Incidentally, Gareth Edwards played for RAF Cyprus against the RAF in 1972 when Jeff Young persuaded Gareth to spend a few days in Cyprus and guest for the local services team. The connections that Gareth had with the RAF and the possible JBG connection may explain why Gareth has this No 3 jersey in his collection.

The Match

The match was played on 5th April 1975 at Rodney Parade, it was a Special commemorative Centenary Match for the Newport Club.

Newport played in their traditional black and amber hoops. Phil Bennett, Bobby Windsor and Tommy David also turned out for the special match as a tribute to the illustrious history of the Newport club. The International XV won the game, 44-28.

Sir Gareth Recalls

‘It was great to reunite with players like Gareth and others for special rugby matches such as these, where the pressure is off and the occasion was more relaxed’.

Estimate: £200-400