England International Rugby Shirt Vintage Polo

Description

An Introduction to England International Rugby Shirt

Produced by Ellis Rugby, the international England Rugby Shirt is an exceptional quality shirt. This England International Rugby Shirt Vintage Polo is an inspiration by England’s first international match. The match held against Scotland on Monday 27th March 1871

In 1890 Blackheath’s Frederick Stokes heard about a challenge issued via the ‘Bell’s Weekly’ Sporting Publication. The captains of five Scottish clubs signed for inviting any team “selected from the whole of England”. For the purpose of a 20-a-side game played under the Rugby rules.

Stokes decided to accept the challenge. And began assembling a team together. He brought in a number of players from his own club – Benjamin Burns, Charles Arthur Crompton and Charles Sherrard. He then added in this group local players Arthur George Guillemard, Joseph Green of West Kent, and John Edmund Bentley. Moreover, the group had John Luscombe of the Gipsies club.

More recruits to the squad were with Alfred Davenport, John Dugdale of Ravenscourt Park, and RegBirkett of Clapham Rovers. Also, Dawson Turner of Richmond, and Alfred Hamersley of Marlborough Nomads. Through his contacts in the North of England, Stokes recruited a trio of players from Liverpool. The players were Arthur Lyon, Frank Tobin, and John Clayton. To complete the squad Richard Osborne, William MacLaren, Arthur Gibson, and Henry Turner became members from the Manchester club.

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England were confident of victory. But they failed to do their homework correctly. They assumed Association Football was the major code of football. However, the rugby game was much more popular North of the border. Scotland also prepared well. And held two trial matches to determine their final squad. At the core of the Scottish squad were five Glasgow Academical players. And seven Edinburgh Academicals. Including their captain Francis Moncrieff.

The teams finally met for the showdown on the 27th 1871. Over 4000 spectators gathered at the home ground of Edinburgh Academicals. Each supporter paying one shilling for entrance to the game. Scotland wore Brown Jerseys. With the now famous Scottish Thistle included and white flannel trousers. England wore white jerseys with the red rose and white flannel trousers.

The rules in 1871 were very different than the rules of modern day rugby. For instance, no points were for a try. Instead, it was the conversion that scored points. So, if anyone is unlucky enough to score a try. And then miss the conversion. Then he will get no points. Scotland won the game. When Angus Buchanan’s try converted by William Cross.

Although England’s Reg Birkett of Clapham Rovers and Scotlands Glasgow Academicals player John Arthur crossed for tries. Neither was converted. Although these rules had a consensus agreement before the game. This was different from what the England players were used to in the game South of the border.

A disappointed England returned home. But agreed to play a return game at the Oval in London in 1982. As for Scotland, the win was greeted with great enthusiasm by putting on display in a local shop for several weeks.

Manufacturing

Manufactured from 100% chunky pique cotton, this England International Rugby Shirt Vintage Polo features detailed embroidery. On the shirt there is the red rose crest patch, navy inner placket, and ecru collar stand. Also included in this garment is herringbone detail on the vents and velvet tape on the neck opening. In addition subtle Ellis Rugby branding features on the collar stand and on the arm.

The available sizes are S – 4XL.

In addition to the Ellis Rugby England International Rugby Shirt Vintage Polo, we also offer an International England Rugby Shirt 1st Match and T-Shirt.