St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

JY082

Jersey

1979-1980

Jersey, South Africa, 1980. Green with gold collar. No number on back. Springboks versus British & Irish Lions. Owner unconfirmed.

CIC

Swansea RFC

This is a Springbok jersey from 1980, the year the British & Irish Lions toured South Africa. Two Swansea players were present on that tour: prop Clive Williams and David Richards, who was selected as a centre for the tour. The first three tests were won by South Africa, the Lions winning the final test 17 - 13. The 14 non-test matches were all won by the tourists but it was not until 1997 that a series win was achieved over South Africa.