Vintage Womens Rugby T-Shirt 1887 Plum

Description

An Introduction to Vintage Women’s Rugby T-Shirt

The Vintage Women’s Rugby T-Shirt Emily Valentine is produced by Ellis Rugby. It is a 100% peach cotton Purple colour. It is an exceptional T-Shirt. In addition, it features a smart 1887 print to the front as well as subtle Emily Valentine branding.

Following research by John Birch, he uncovered the hidden history of ladies rugby. The results of the research inspired the design of this T-Shirt. The design is drawn from the story of Emily Valentine. Emily is the first ever-recorded Woman to play the game of Rugby Football. Emily played Rugby alongside her brothers in 1887.

‘OmnesHonorate’ or ‘Honour all men’ is the school motto of Portora Royal School for Boys, in Ennsikillen, Northern Ireland. However, ‘with a fine disregard for the rules’ 10 year old Emily Valentine did precisely the opposite. And she convinced the boys to let her join in a game of rugby back in 1887.

While Emily Valentine is the first recorded woman to play the game, the origins of women’s rugby are unclear. Initially, public reaction to women playing contact sports could be negative. In 1881, when two teams played exhibition “football” games in Scotland and Northern England, several games were abandoned due to rioting.

Celebrating Ladies Rugby

According to reports in the Liverpool Mercury of 27 June 1881, that at least one of these games, played at the Cattle Market Inn Athletic Grounds, Stanley, Liverpool on the 25th, involved scoring goals following “touchdowns”. And may, therefore, played to at least a version of rugby rules.

A series of sporting cigarette cards published 1895 in Liverpool. The series includes an image of a woman playing rugby. She is playing in kit similar to that described in reports of the 1881 team. It is, therefore, possible that exhibition games similar to those in 1881 may have continued.

While most rugby fans have heard of the legend of William Webb Ellis and his exploits at Rugby School in 1823. The story of Emily Valentine is less well known. But our clothing collection celebrates the history of women’s rugby.

Manufacturing

The shirt is manufactured from satin touch 100% cotton. The 1887 T-Shirt features a smart print to the body. In addition, subtle Emily Valentine branding features on this product in the form of detailed embroidery. Also included in the garment is herringbone detail on the vents and velvet tape on the neck opening.

The Women’s Rugby T-Shirt by Ellis Rugby is available in sizes S – XL.

We offer the Vintage Womens Rugby T-Shirt Emily Valentine. We also offer T-Shirts in the Navy or Ecru. Or Polos in Ecru or Navy. Also Hoodies in Navy or Plum.