Australian Rugby Union Honour Cap, First Australian Test Team

This is the oldest known ARU honour cap, presented to a member of Australia's inaugural Test team. In 1899, Australia played its first Test series against the touring British side, with two matches held in New South Wales and one in Queensland.

At the time, there was no national jersey, so the Australian team wore maroon with the Australian Coat of Arms in Queensland and blue with the Coat of Arms in New South Wales. To symbolise the unity of both state unions, the cap is quartered in maroon and blue, representing the Queensland and New South Wales Rugby Unions.

ARU Honour Cap 1899, Front