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South Africa Rugby T-Shirt Vintage Style

£29.95

The 1903 British Isles tour to South Africa was led by Scotland’s Mark Morrison and managed by Johnny Hammond. The tourists played a total of 22 matches. These included three test matches against the South Africa national rugby union team. The British drew the first two test matches and lost the final encounter.

Description

An Introduction to Vintage South Africa Rugby T-Shirt

Manufactured by Ellis Rugby, the Vintage South Africa Rugby T-Shirt is inspired by the Springbok Rugby pioneers. The 1903 British Isles tour to South Africa was led by Scotland’s Mark Morrison and managed by Johnny Hammond. The tourists played a total of 22 matches. These included three test matches against the South Africa national rugby union team. The British drew the first two test matches and lost the final encounter.

The first Test was played at the Old Wanderers in Johannesburg and was refereed by Bill Donaldson the former Scotland Rugby international. The British & Irish Lions were led by Morrison and South Africa were captained by Alex Frew. Ironically Frew a Scot had played in the same Triple Crown winning team as Morrison in 1901. The Springbok also included Willie McEwan a former Scotland Rugby Union international. In addition, they included Joe ‘Birdie’ Partridge. Born in Abergavenny, Partridge was a former Blackheath, Newport and Barbarian Rugby player.

The Lions scored early tries through Skrimshire and Cave. Jimmy Gillespie converted both scores. After half time the South African team started to take control. Fred Dobbins scored a try first followed by Jimmy Sinclair. Fairy Heatlie added the conversions to make it 10 points to 10 at full time.

The second test resulted in another drawn game This time 0-0. The Lions once again had the better of the game in the first half. But the second half saw South Africa dominant.

The Third Test Decider

The Third and final historic Test match gave the Springbok their first series victory. The team consisted of eleven Western Province and four from the Transvaal. For good luck Fairy Heatlie the Captain borrowed a set of Green Jerseys from the Old Diocesan’s club for the game. South Africa had worn Blue shirts for the previous Test.

There had been torrential overnight rain at Newlands. And the game was about to be postponed. However, the sun came out and it was agreed, despite the pitch being covered in pools of water to kick off. The muddy conditions should have suited the big dominant Lions pack. But it was South Africa with Bob Loubser, Bertie Van Renen and Japie Krige who created most opportunities. However at half time there was still no score. It was South Africa who then got the first score, an excellent try in the corner from Winger Joe Barry. The conversion was missed. Then, Tommy Hobson made a crucial break and he found Alec Reid in support who evaded three determined Lions defenders to score.

At Scrum Half for the home team was Hugh Ferris. Previously, Ireland capped Ferris in 1901 against Wales. Also, the legendary Paul Roos made his international debut. Three years later Roos had the honour of Captaining the first ever Springbok Touring team to the UK.

Manufacturing

Manufactured from satin touch 100% cotton. The South Africa Rugby T-Shirt Vintage Style features detailed embroidery on the vintage Springbok Crest. Also featuring on this garment is herringbone detail on the vents and velvet tape on the neck opening. In addition a complex ‘6’ applique patch

The Ellis Rugby T-Shirt is available in sizes S – 4XL.

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

Additional information

Colour

Green

Size

Small, Medium, Large, X Large, 2X Large, 3X Large, 4X Large

Gender

Men

Style

T-Shirt

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