St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

JY063

Jersey, Fiji, 1973, white with Fiji Rugby Union motif onbreast and "Fiji RU" beneath. Black number 5 on back.

Jersey

Loan

Dai Richards

1973-1974

This jersey was worn by Fijian lock Apenisa Tokairavu in their 30 -0 win over Swansea at St Helen's on 8th September 1973 at the start of Swansea's Centenary season which the game celebrated. Dai Richards, played at outside-half in a Swansea side that had a torrid afternoon a the tourists ran in 5 tries (4 converted) and a drop goal on a hot afternoon and a pitch that suited their open style of play. Swansea prop Phil Llewellyn recalled his opposite number in the scrum playing without boots! Richards in his first full season at St Helen's, had only played 4 matches in the previous season and was still at Cardiff College of Education, completing his studies. Jerseys were exchanged after the match and Dai ended up with this memento from the big second row momento. Tokairavu made his Fiji debut in 1967 as a prop forward and played in 11 tests, the last in 1977.

jersey, fiji, 1973-1974, 1973, centenary, tour, dai richards, david richards, Apenisa Tokairavu,