St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

PQ148

Plaque

CIC

State of California XV

1974-1975

A polished wood plaque , cross section of an redwood tree trunk. A gold metal plaque in the centre, engraved: "CALIFORNIA GOLDEN POPPIES FIRST TOUR 1975". Dimensions: h15 1/5" x w18" x d1" (h39.5cm x w46cm x d2.5cm).

This plaque was presented to Swansea RFC on the occasion of the match with the State of California XV, known as the "Poppies". The match was played on Wednesday 9th April 1975 at St Helen's and won by Swansea by 21 - 7. For Swansea scrum-half Robert Dyer scored a try, as did wing Roy Woodward and No8 Mervyn Davies. Full-back Roger Blyth kicked a penalty and a conversion. For the Poppies full-back Kip Oxman kicked a penalty. This was the first tour by a USA representative side to the UK and Ireland. Two days previously they had shocked the Eugene Cross Park crowd by beating Ebbw Vale 12 - 10 with a late try from flanker Jim Wood sealing a win for the tourists. The Poppies played four matches on their England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland tour, Ebbw Vale and Swansea being the first two. they went on to play a South of Scotland side (lost 19 - 16) and Bath International XV (lost 18 - 15). The Poppies then went over to Ireland and played the Old Wesley side, beating them by 15 points to 6. Among the 24 members of the Poppies 1975 touring squad, 11 were from the B.A.T.S (Bay Area Touring Side) team. The 'Poppies' took their name from the official flower of the State of California, the Golden Poppy.

poppies, california, tour, plaque, 1974-1975