100 Years of the Welsh Jersey
Discover the stories behind the iconic Welsh Rugby jersey, celebrating over 100 years of sporting heritage and its players.
Dai 'Tawr' Jones's Wales Jersey (1905)Welsh Rugby Union
The red jersey has been an icon of Welsh Rugby since Wales's first match in 1881. This story highlights over 100 years of the jersey through the players who wore them.
The First Welsh Men's Team (1881-02-19)Welsh Rugby Union
The first Welsh jersey displayed the Prince of Wales Feathers at its centre. By 1885, the iconic symbol moved to the left breast, which became a standard for rugby jerseys worldwide. This simple shift marked the beginning of a visual tradition.
1890
The journey of the Welsh Jersey in our collection begins with Hugh Ingledew's 1890 jersey. This Cardiff RFC player, who earned three Welsh caps, wore this jersey in his first international match against Ireland in 1890.
1897
Dick Hellings was the first of the so called "Rhondda forwards". Dick was a miner hewn by his trade to great strength. His first international match was against England in 1897. He was capped a further 8 times for Wales.
Phil Waller's Wales Jersey (1908) by J. C. Stewart Outfitter, EdinbroughWelsh Rugby Union
1908
Phil Waller played his club rugby for Newport, and county rugby for Monmouthshire and Somerset. He was capped for Wales 6 times and played for the British Isles on their tour to South Africa in 1910.
1912
Fred Perrett gained 5 Welsh Caps. He made his first international appearance against South Africa in 1912 and played in all of the remaining 4 matches for Wales in the 1912/1913 season. In September 1913 he "went North" to play Northern Union for Leeds.
1925
Nathan Rocyn Jones won his only Welsh cap in 1925 against Ireland wearing this jersey. After retiring he played a large part in the administration of rugby in Wales and became President of the WRU in 1964-65. Nathan was for many years the Honorary Medical Officer to the WRU.
Jack Bassett's Wales Jersey (1932) by D L Davies, SwanseaWelsh Rugby Union
1932
This jersey marks the end of Jack Bassett's international career, worn in his last match for Wales against Ireland in 1932. A celebrated fullback, he gained his first cap in 1929 and went on to represent Wales 15 times. His efforts solidified his place among Welsh rugby's greats.
1949/50
Malcolm Thomas was an outstanding three quarter for Wales and the British Lions in the 1950s. First capped for Wales against France in 1949, Malcolm was a member of the Welsh team which won the Triple Crown and Grand Slam in 1950. He gained 27 Welsh caps.
1960
Terry Davies was an outstanding fallback who wore this jersey when he captained Wales against the Springboks in 1960. First capped in 1953, he played 21 matches for Wales and was a British Lion 1959.
Clive Rowlands's Wales Jersey (1963)Welsh Rugby Union
1963
Clive Rowlands wore this jersey when he made his international debut for Wales v England in 1963. Clive played for Wales in 14 matches and captained his country in each of those matches. He also Coached Wales, team managed the Lions in 1989 and was president of the WRU.
1977
This 1977 Triple Crown Jersey belonged to wing three quarter J.J. Williams. Wales won the Triple crown 4 years in a row form 1976-1979. “JJ” gained his first Welsh cap against France in 1973 and went on to play for Wales 30 times.
Robert Norster's Wales Jersey by UmbroWelsh Rugby Union
1980s
This jersey belonged to Robert Norster, a dominant Welsh second-row forward known for his lineout prowess. He earned his first Welsh cap in 1982 against Scotland. Norster's athleticism and skill made him a force to be reckoned with throughout the 1980s.
1987
Liza Burgess was the first captain of a Welsh Women's side. An outstanding player, she went on to captain Wales a record 62 times. They played their first match against England at Pontypool in 1987, this is Liza's jersey from that match.
1997
Ieuan Evans is one of the top try scorers of all time for Wales. He played 72 times for Wales and went on 3 British Lions Tours to New Zealand, South Africa and Australia. After retiring from playing, Ieuan served on the boards of the WRU and World Rugby.
The First Welsh Women's Team (1987-04-05)Welsh Rugby Union
The Red jersey is an icon of Welsh Rugby and holds thousands of stories from both players and fans.
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