St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

OT078

Ceramic plate, white with 'Five nations' motifs around rim and Welsh and 'Tri-nations' motifs in centre. "Undeb Rygbi Cymru" , "Welsh Rugby Union" and "1881-1981" in text. Designed by Swansea PorcelainLtd and produced by Coalport, England. Dimensions: 10 1/2" (27cm)

Plate

CIC

1881-1981

This is a commemorative plate frm the Wru's Centenary (1881-1981). It is heavily decorated with 'Triple Crown' motif around the rim, interspersed with thistle, rose, shamrock and cockerel motifs to represent the other 'Five nations' rugby nations. The Welsh Union's P.O.W. feathers are flanked by leek and daffodil imagery overlaid with the New Zealand fern leaf. An Australian wallaby, South African springbok and Welsh dragon complete the design. Closer inspection reveals a clever design where the dates (year) that Wales won Triple Crowns and Grand Slams are marked and the various opponents' motifs correspond to those markers. The wins over New Zealand and Ausralia are also represented and the draw in 1969 with South Africa is depicted by a chain joining the springbok and dragon together. This esplanation is printed on the reverse.