Ladies Rugby Polo Shirt Emily Valentine Vintage Ecru

Description

An Introduction to Ladies Rugby Polo Shirt Emily Valentine

The Ladies Rugby Polo Shirt Emily Valentine is a 100% cotton garment available in Ecru or Navy. This shirt features detailed embroidery as well as subtle Emily Valentine branding.

Following research by John Birch, he uncovered the story of Emily Valentine. She was the first Lady of rugby. It was at Portora Royal School in Enniskillen that Emily Valentine played in a rugby match alongside her brothers in 1887.

The women’s game slowly developed and there are reports from overseas. In Sydney in 1921, in front of a crowd of 30,000 two women’s teams played a game of rugby league. A photograph published in The Times in 1922. However, following pressure from authorities they did not get permission to play again.

Throughout the 1920s in France, “barette” was played. This was a popular form of a women’s football game very similar to rugby. Games were 10-a-side and had some minor restrictions on tackling. There were national championships throughout the decade. It received support from several male rugby players and film also exists of a game played in 1928. Sadly, for reasons unknown the game appears to fade away in the 1930s.

However, in Australia in the 1930s, a women’s league playing the full game formed. It was mainly played in the Tamworth, Armidale and New South Wales areas. These ran regularly but were halted by World War Two.

1930s New Zealand Women’s Rugby & 1956 Australia Women’s Rugby League

Photographs of women’s teams also exist from New Zealand in the 1930s. Maori women took up the game during the war. In 1956 an Australian women’s rugby league team called The Belles of St Mary’s played games in New South Wales. Up to 1960 Women’s rugby was banned in Samoa.

Manufactured from 100% chunky pique Cotton, the Ladies Rugby Polo Shirt Emily Valentine by Ellis Rugby features detailed embroidery of the Crest and the nape. In addition, this garment includes herringbone detail on the vents and velvet tape on the neck opening.

Available in sizes S – XL.

As well as the Ladies Rugby Polo Shirt Emily Valentine Vintage in Ecru we also do this in the Navy. In addition, we offer T-Shirts in Ecru, Navy or Plum. Or, Hoodies in Navy or Plum.