The Barbarians jersey worn by Wales great Gareth Edwards when he scored what is widely acclaimed as rugby’s greatest try has been tipped to set a new world-record price when sold at auction next month.
On January 27, 1973, Edwards finished off a stunning seven-man move that had started near the other goal line to open the scoring in the invitational team’s celebrated 23-11 win over New Zealand in Cardiff.
23 – 23 seconds elapsed between Phil Bennett collecting the ball for the Barbarians and Gareth Edwards dotting down for the try, with the Baa Baas gaining 91 metres, beating six defenders, and making six passes (including two offloads), during the try-scoring sequence. Flowing. pic.twitter.com/uM0OFJE4OM
— OptaJonny (@OptaJonny) January 26, 2023
The former scrumhalf has decided to put his black-and-white hooped No. 9 shirt from the game under the hammer along with other tops.
Sir Gareth Edwards with the Barbarians jersey he wore when he scored THAT try against the All Blacks in 1973. It’s one of a number of jerseys from his collection going up for auction. Expected to sell for around £200,000. pic.twitter.com/xvCRyAsBWw
— Simon Thomas (@simonrug) January 31, 2023
The Barbarians jersey alone has an estimate of £150,000-£200,000 (R3,2-R4,2 million). It is among 39 lots that could generate more than £400,000 (R8,5 million).
Jerseys worn by other players are also up for auction.
The world record for a rugby jersey is £180,000 (R3,8 million), paid for Dave Gallaher’s shirt in 2015. Gallaher was the captain of the “Original All Blacks” in the early 1900s.
Edwards’ collection will go under the hammer in Cardiff on February 24.
Proceeds from the auction will reportedly go to Edwards’ family, but a percentage will also be donated to charity.
© Agence France-Presse