15 Highlights of the WRU Collection

Explore some highlights from the collection

Hugh Ingledew's Wales Jersey (1890)Welsh Rugby Union

1. Hugh Ingledew's Welsh Jersey

Dating from 1891, this is the oldest Jersey in the WRU's collection. This jersey was worn by Hugh Ingledew. Ingledew was a Cardiff player and a solicitor who played a major role in the development of Glamorgan cricket.

South Wales Challenge Cup (1877)Welsh Rugby Union

2. The South Wales Challenge Cup

This trophy is the oldest Rugby trophy in Wales. The magnificent silver cup was the first National trophy in Welsh rugby. Won first by Newport RFC in 1877.

Six Nations Winners Medal (2005)Welsh Rugby Union

3. Six Nations Winners Medal

A modern medal awarded to the Welsh players who won the Grand Slam and Six Nations in 2005.

New Zealand Jersey (1905) by Wallace & Gibson, The Kash, Next Evening Post, WellingtonWelsh Rugby Union

4. The First All Blacks 1905 Jersey

The New Zealand team was the first major touring team to travel from the Southern Hemisphere to play in Britain and Ireland in. They were a terrific team that played rugby at a level of athleticism and skill previously not seen in this country. This jersey was from that tour. 

Welsh Women's Rugby Union Cap (1987)Welsh Rugby Union

5. The First Welsh Women's Cap

The Welsh Women's Team played their first match in April 1987 at Pontypool. The Welsh team lost to England 22-4 but took a significant step forward on the international front. This cap was one of those awarded to the Welsh players in this historic match. 

Phil Waller's Wales Jersey (1908) by J. C. Stewart Outfitter, EdinbroughWelsh Rugby Union

6. Phil Waller's Wales Jersey

This Wales jersey from 1908 was worn by Phil Waller. Born in Bath but educated and developed as a rugby player in Wales, Phil gained his first Welsh cap in December 1908 against Australia. He played 6 matches for Wales. Wales never lost when Phil played.

Welsh Captain's Sword (1981)Welsh Rugby Union

7. Wilkinson Sword Captains Knife

Wilkinson Sword presented this to the WRU in 1980/81 to celebrate the Centenary of the WRU. Engraved on the blade are all the names of the Captains of the Welsh Rugby Teams from 1881 to 1981, starting with James Bevan and ending with Steve Fenwick. 

British Lions Cap (1910)Welsh Rugby Union

8. 1910 British and Irish Lions Cap

This British and Irish Lions Cap was awarded to Phil Waller who played in 23 out of the 24 matches of the 1910 Tour to South Africa.

England v Wales Souvenir Paper Handkerchief (1901-01-05)Welsh Rugby Union

9. 1901 Souvenir Paper Handkerchief

This 123 year old paper handkerchief was produced to commemorate a match between England and Wales in on the 5th of January 1901.

British and Irish Lions Jersey (1950) by Forsyth LtdWelsh Rugby Union

10. British and Irish Lions Jersey, 1950

Malcolm Thomas’s Lions Jersey. This was the first Lions Tour after the Second World War. 

Wales v New Zealand Match Programme (1905-12-16)Welsh Rugby Union

11. 1905 Wales v New Zealand Match Programme

Wales beat a previously undefeated New Zealand team in a famous match on the 16th of December 1905. This is the programme from that match.

JJ Willaims's Wales Triple Crown Jersey (1977) by UmbroWelsh Rugby Union

12. JJ Williams's Triple Crown Jersey

This 1977 Triple Crown Jersey belonged to J.J. Williams. Wales won the Triple crown (beating England, Scotland and Ireland in the 5 Nations competition) 4 years in a row form 1976-1979
Williams was capped for Wales 30 times from 1973-1979. His cap number was 748.

Wales Trial Cap (1901)Welsh Rugby Union

13. 1901 Trial Cap

Up until the late 1920s, players who appeared in the Welsh National Team Trial Matches were awarded 'Trial Caps'.

Prince William Cup (2012)Welsh Rugby Union

14. Prince William Cup

This modern cup has been played for between Wales and South Africa since 2012. The two nations first played each other in 1906. The Springboks won every match until 1999 when Wales beat South Africa in the first game played in the new Millennium Stadium.

Wales v New Zealand Winners Medal (1905)Welsh Rugby Union

15. 1905 Winners Medal

The Welsh victory over New Zealand in 1905 remains one of the most famous in History. It was the New Zealanders first and only loss on an otherwise triumphant tour to Europe. The occasion was marked by the Union commissioning the manufacture of 15 gold medals. 

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