Tycroes RFC hang on to historic shirt (From South Wales Guardian)

Tycroes RFC hang on to historic shirt

6:30am Wednesday 25th April 2012 in News

THE historic New Zealand Originals shirt belonging to Tycroes RFC is staying with the club after all.

The rare artefact – worn on New Zealand’s 1905 British tour – had been the subject of frenzied bidding after the club offered it for sale to ease their stricken financial plight.

But in a statement yesterday (Tuesday), the club said that due to “a marked improvement” in their finances, they now had no need to sell the treasured jersey.

“For the sake of its security, we have decided to loan the jersey to the WRU to enable it to be displayed in the Millennium Stadium,” they said. “We would like to thank the many hopeful bidders that expressed their interest.”

It is understood the club’s coffers have been boosted by Wales’ Grand Slam campaign, coupled with the “generosity” of a touring French team.