St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

JY049

Item

Object ID

JY049

Type

Jersey

Rights Holder

CIC

Provenance

Matatata College

Season

1974-1975

Description

Jersey, maroon with yellow collar and Matamata College badge on breast. Yellow number '8' on back.

Info

This jersey was worn by Kevin McGill, No8 and captain of the Matamata College team that toured Wales in 1974. Swansea RFC were the first team to respond to the WRU, who had forwarded Matamata College's request to tour in Wales. Swansea offered to host the tour and help with accommodation. The tour encompassed matches against Christ College Brecon, Llanelli Schools, Bishop Gore School, Swansea Youth, Gowerton, Combined Schools and Swansea secondary Schools. the tourist's captain Kevin McGill played for the 'Junior All Blacks', though he didn't make the senior All Blacks team. However, the vice-captain Murray Taylor did later return to Wales as an 'All Black' in 1980. Matamata's 1974 tour saw them win all but the opening match against Christ College Brecon. As a result of Swansea RFC's hospitality and aid during the Matamata tour, an invitation was extended to Swansea Schools (SSRU) to tour in New Zealand, the tour took place in 1976 (see: JY124 and JY125).

Keywords

jersey, matamata college, 1974-1975, jy124, jy125

References

JY124

JY123

JY125

Item sets

St Helen's Archive

Site pages

Jerseys