South Africa Rugby Shirt Vintage Springbok

Introduction to South Africa Rugby Shirt

Produced by Ellis Rugby, South Africa Rugby shirt Vintage Springbok is the finest shirt. In September 1906 the first ever South Africa Rugby Union team landed on the shores of the British Isles. Only four years earlier the Boer War had divided the country. And the hope was the tour would unite the ‘Colonials’ and ‘Afrikaaners’ in one common cause – to defeat the British rugby teams.

They had played and won 15 games against County and University teams coming up to their first international. Things didn’t go quite as planned. And the Scotland team playing at Hampden Park defeated the tourists by 6 points to nil. They defeated ‘The North’ of Scotland 35-3 at Aberdeen’s Pittodrie Stadium, before the trip over to Belfast where they met the Irish national team. They edged a tight game by 15 points to 12.

On the 1st December 1906 the Springbok played the much fancied Wales Rugby team at St. Helen’s in Swansea. Without some of their star players, South Africa had to rely on their captain and talisman Paul Roos. Paul was sporting a heavy pad on his injured shoulder. Moreover, at half time the tourist were 6–0 ahead with tries from Joubert and Loubser. After the break ‘Klondyke’ Raaff dribbled the ball and scored a try that Joubert converted. The final result was 11–0 to the Boks.

Then onto London where they met England at Crystal Palace and finished their home nations internationals with a 3-3 draw. The last match of the tour was an emphatic 55 – 6 victory over France in Paris. For the next 50 years* the Springboks were never beaten in a test series at home or abroad and the Springbok emblem became feared by opponents worldwide.

Manufacturing

Manufactured from satin touch 100% cotton, the South Africa Rugby Shirt features detailed embroidery on the original patch badge. Also, it matches inner placket, cuffs and collar, herringbone detail on vents and velvet tape on the neck opening. In addition, there is a complex ‘6’ applique patch (celebrating Francois Pienaar and Nelson Mandela‘s 1995 World Cup celebrations) on the back with the subtle Ellis Rugby. Besides, there is branding on the collar stand and tone on tone logo on the arm.

As well as the South Africa Rugby Shirt, we also offer a South African Rugby Polo Shirt and T-Shirt.

The available sizes are S – 4XL.