St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

JY106

Jersey

1973-1974

Jersey, Japan, Red/White hoops, Japanese Rugby Union cherry blossom motif on the right breast. No.8 in black on a white rectangle on the back.

CIC

Mervyn Davies

This is a jersey from Japan's first ever match against Wales, at Cardiff Arms Park on 6th October 1973. It was worn by Japanese No8 Oshihiro Murata who played 11 times for Japan from 1971 to 1975. This was an uncapped match for the Welsh players who won the encounter by 62 - 14. The spirit and open play of the Japanese players won the hearts of the Welsh supporters, who showed their appreciation at the end of the match. Swansea's Mervyn Davies and Phil Llewellyn both played in this match, Davies exchanging this jersey with Murata after the match. It was kindly gifted to Swansea RFC by Mervyn.