St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

PQ083

Plaque

CIC

Milan Rugby Club

1956-1957

Brass caste plaque featuring three female winged figures supporting a victory wreath A bronze medallion featuring rugby players is inset on the bottom left. A scroll at the base is inscribed: "CLUB AMICI RUGBY SELEZIONE MILANESE A SWANSEA RFC. MILANO - 18 Maggio 1957." It is embossed with a depiction of Milan cathedral on the left and a sainted figure with halo on the right. Retaining pins on back for fixing to a wooden base. Dimensions: h7 3/4" x 11 3/4" (h28.4cm x w15.5cm).

This plaque was presented to Swansea RFC at the beginning of their Italian tour in May 1957. The first stop was Milan where Swansea played a Milan Select XV on Saturday 18th May, winning the match 6 - 0. They went on to play Rome (lost 5 - 8) and Padua (won 21 - 9) before returning on 27th May. Three of the four retaining pins are still attached to the reverse side, suggesting the plaque was at some time mounted on a decorative board. It has recently been fixed to a new specially commissioned base, fashioned by former Swansea & England back row Trevor Cheeseman, so it may be displayed properly once more.

italy, 1956-1957, rome, milan, padua, plaque,