St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

OT040

Touch judge's flag. Swansea v New Zealand 21st October 1989 at St Helen's. Black cloth with Swansea 'Osprey' and New Zealand fern motifs at diagonally opposite corners in white. White text: "Swansea R.F.C. - v - New Zealand 21st Oct 1989". Same design on both faces of flag. Wooden dowel shaft and black wooden handle with'Osprey' and fern leaf painted in white.

Touch Judge flag

CIC

1989-1990

This touch judge's flag was used at the Swansea v New Zealand match on 21 October 1989 at St Helen's. The tourists were one of the strongest ever to tour the UK and led at half-time by 21 - 3, with stand-off Frano Botica playing a great game. But they were outscored by Swansea in the second half and had to dig deep for a 37 -22 win. Kevin Hopkins, Paul Arnold and Ian Davies all crossed the try line for Swansea and Mark Wyatt kicked 2 penalties and 2 conversions. Future Wales coach Warren Gatland played in this match and scored a try for the tourists. this was the seventh and last time a full New Zealand touring team played against Swansea RFC. Swansea have also played against the New Zealand Maoris (1888 and 1982) and New Zealand Expeditionary Force (1945).