St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future
Item
JY049
Object ID
JY049
Type
Rights Holder
CIC
Provenance
Matatata College
Season
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
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