Acknowledgements

Firstly we are enormously grateful to Sir Gareth Edwards and his sons Rhys and Owen. Also to Maureen Edwards who ‘without keeping everything tidy we’d have nothing to auction’. We are proud that the family decided to consign this important collection with us here in Wales.

They say ‘don’t meet your heroes’, well they were wrong in this case, as it has been a special privilege and pleasure to act on behalf of Sir Gareth and his family. Sir Gareth, Rhys and Owen Edwards have been the most supportive clients who have been extremely generous with their time. As we all know, Sir Gareth was a Superstar (physically on the BBC programme and metaphorically), but I have learnt that being a superstar can come with humility, kindness, and generosity.

I would also like to thank Peter Owens at the WRU, an esteemed professor when it comes to rugby history and rugby jerseys. Thanks also to Rob Cole at Westgate Sports Agency and David Norrie at Colorsport, to Mary Wycherley for her patient and thorough photography and to Mark Edwards of Polar 10 for his enthusiasm and creativity.

I dedicate this prospectus to my Dad who shared the excitement of being entrusted with this collection but who sadly did not live to see the auction. Dad may well have been at the Barbarians v New Zealand match - if only I wasn’t about to make my first appearance! I am so grateful to Dad for showing me the ropes and for his unwavering support over the years.

Ben Rogers Jones