1972 Rugby League World Cup Vintage White T-Shirt

Description

1972 Rugby League World Cup Vintage White T-Shirt

The 1972 Rugby League World Cup White T-Shirt. It is inspired by the history of the 1972 tournament held in France.

Following the group game against Australia which Great Britain won by 27-21 the British travelled to Grenoble.

They played the hosts France at the StadeLesdiguières in Grenoble. Great Britain were too powerful for the French. Phil Lowe took the Man of the Match award, scoring two thirty yard tries. And Clive Sullivan adding another in the final minutes of the game to make the score 13 points to 4. Great Britain always controlled that match. But left Coach Jim Challinor unimpressed and knowing that they would need to improve significantly if they had ambitions to win the competition. On the same day at the Parc des Princes in Paris, Australia edged a tight game by 9 points to 5 against New Zealand.

Pau in the South West of France at the Stade du Hameau took on the Kiwis. Coach Jim Challinor decided to make changes. At half-back and chose 18-year-old stand-off John Holmes instead of O’Neill who had played in the opening fixtures. The introduction of Holmes reignited the team as they slaughtered the Kiwis by 53 points to 19. The young Leeds player scored two tries and kicked ten goals which set an international record of 26 points. His sensational performance secured his position in the starting line-up for the final.

Clive Sullivan’s 80 Yard Try

The final group game pitched hosts France against Australia at the Stadium Municipal in Toulouse. The Kangaroos easily defeated the French 31 points to 9, scoring seven tries in the process. It secured their appearance in the final where they would meet once again Great Britain.

Australia were intent on revenging their group match defeat and retaining their title. The game played at the Stade de Gerland in Lyon was a classic, full of heroics and magical moments. Australia’s half Back Bob Fulton along with giant Centre Mark Harris were the main attacking threats. But they were well looked after by Britain’a Centre pairing of John Walsh and Chris Hesketh. It was also expected the Kangaroo forwards of O’Neill, O’Reilly and Beetson would have the edge, but they were met with stubborn defence from Clawson, Nicholls and the Lions pack.

It was Australia who drew first blood. Prop John O’Neill galloped 30 yards to score in the corner giving them the perfect start. With minutes to the half time break, Nicholls threw his body at a rampaging Harris and the ball came loose. With one movement Skipper Clive Sullivan scooped up the ball and set off on a 80 yards sprint to the line. Clawson had a difficult kick from the touchline, but kept his nerve and his conversion levelled the scores at the break.

Further about 1972 Rugby League World

In the second half, Australia once again took the lead through a try by Artie Beetson and a conversion through the reliable Ray Branighan. Seven minutes from time, Sullivan stepped through a gap and found Lockwood who committed the Aussie defence before finding the ever supporting Stephenson to dart through to score. Once again, Clawson held his nerve to equal the scores at 10 points to 10. Australia controversially had a try disallowed for offside and as the tension mounted Great Britain held firm, both during the 80 minutes normal time and the additional twenty minutes extra time.

Having defeated Australia in the group match in Perpignan the draw was enough for Great Britain in the final. And they were crowned champions of the 1972 Rugby League World Cup.

Rugby League Cares

With every sale, Rugby League Cares receives donations as a charity that helps players transition out of the sport. And supports players’ past and present who are enduring poor health or hardship.

Manufactured from 100% cotton, the Ellis Rugby 1972 Rugby League World Cup White T-Shirt features a red ‘1972’ in ‘puff print’ technique and Navy classic print celebrating the history of the 1972 tournament held in France. Also, this garment includes a decorative woven label.

This T-Shirt is available in sizes S – 5XL.

As well as the 1972 Rugby League World Cup White T-Shirt, we also offer this style in Navy and our 1954 Rugby League T-Shirts in Navy or Olive.