St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

JY103

Jersey

CIC

Mervyn Davies

1970s

Jersey, England, white with RFU rose motif on left breast. Black No8 on back. 1970s.

Mervyn Davies played 8 times for Wales against England from 1969 until his untimely retirement in 1976. Wales won all those encounters except that of 1974 at Twickenham (16 - 12), Max Boyce penning a song about the "Blind Irish Referee" in reference to a disallowed Welsh try. Mervyn scored one of his two tries against England in that rare loss. It was the only blemish on an otherwise consistent record against England for Mervyn. It is likely that this No8 England jersey was worn by 'Lion' Andy Ripley, the only player to wear that jersey more than once in the 8 matches. He turned out in 4 of the 8 Wales/England fixtures that Mervyn played in. Andy Ripley played 24 times for England and toured with the 1974 ‘Lions’ to South Africa. He could not oust Mervyn Davies from the No test spot, though Mervyn has said Ripley was his most difficult opponent. He was a talented athlete and colourful character in an otherwise undistinguished England side. Ripley continued to play for his club side Rosslyn Park until the age of 41. In 1980 he won the BBC series ‘Superstars’ but gave his £8,000 winnings to the RFU. Ripley was one of the last great amateurs in the game. This jersey was kindly gifted to Swansea RFC by Mervyn.

england, andy ripley, mervyn davies