Wales internationals Josh Adams and Alex Mann have explored the Welsh Rugby Union’s past, joined by heritage expert Peter Owens to examine a selection of iconic treasures from the national rugby archive. The event marked National Sporting Heritage Day.
Treasures from the Archive
The players were shown iconic pieces of memorabilia associated with Wales’ three opponents this November – Japan, New Zealand and Australia. Owens delivered a special presentation to the players and media in attendance, sharing the remarkable history behind each item on display, including jerseys, caps, match programmes, trophies and even a didgeridoo.
Among the items was a Wales jersey from the first-ever match against New Zealand in 1905, worn by Dai “Tarw” Jones. It was of particular interest to Mann, given that Jones had also played for Aberdare, Mann’s hometown club.
Close to Home
“Yeah, I actually didn’t realise [the jersey belonged to a former Aberdare player] to be honest with you so when Peter said it was brilliant to hear,” said Mann. “I think he beat the All Blacks with union and League with Wales and then with GB. Obviously he’s played for Aberdare, so it’s close to home as well. It’s very cool to see and be up close and personal with the jersey.”
Other items on display included an Australia jersey from 1908 swapped with Phillip Dudley Waller, who won six caps for Wales between 1908 and 1910, and a didgeridoo given to Wales by Australia in 1908. The kit Japan wore for their first Test match against Wales in 1973 was also featured.
