St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

BZ013

Blazer

Item on Loan

Owen Cullen

1953-1954

Blazer, Swansea SC&FC, single breasted, Black with 3 plain silvered buttons and single plain silvered cuff button. Combined badge of Swansea Cricket & Football Club and New Zealand Fern on left Breast pocket. Lettering beneath: "Swansea RFC v New Zealand Dec 12th 1953" sewn in metalled stitching into a scroll. Jack Marker, 1953

This is a rare example of a commemorative Swansea RFC blazer. It was presented to Swansea outside-half John "Jack" Marker to mark his participation in the Swansea RFC team that drew 6 - 6 with the fourth All Blacks at St Helen's on 12th December 1953. A former Spitfire pilot in the Far east theatre of WWII, Jack Marker had played for Llanelli RFC (1946-48) as a centre before transferring to Osterley RFC in London, followed by a successful stint at London Wasps, where he twice won the Middlesex sevens title (1948 & 1952). In 1953-54 he joined an injury struck Swansea RFC, for whom he played 10 matches that season. At the time the All Blacks arrived at St Helen's Marker had played just four matches for the All Whites, having made his club debut on 14th November at Old Deer Park against London Welsh. Partnering Goronwy Morgan at half back against the All Blacks, Marker was part of a team that astonished everyone and held New Zealand to a draw, despite a very much reshuffled team being put out by Swansea. Wing Alan Elsom scored two tries for New Zealand but another new boy John Faull kicked two penalties, each from half-way, for Swansea. The result added to the 1935 win over the All Blacks and proved Swansea yet again always rose to the occasion when facing the best touring sides. Jack Marker retired from rugby at the end of this season.

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