It was worn by Neath’s Fred Perrett on his debut against the touring South Africans in 1912, in only the second meeting between the two sides.
Perrett, one of the country’s thirteen international players who died in the Great War, was a steelworker from Briton Ferry. He caused some controversy when he decided to head North and turn professional with the famous rugby league side Leeds, despite having been a firm fixture in the Wales team during the 1913 Five Nations Championship.
Having served in both the Welsh Guards and the Royal Welch Fusiliers, he passed away from his battle wounds aged twenty-seven, just under a month after the end of the conflict. Perrett is buried at Terlincthun British Cemetery at Wimille. France?.
Since Perrett’s debut against South Africa over a century ago – one which the visitors edged by a mere three points to nil – Wales have met the Boks a further thirty-two times, and have been the victors in the past three encounters.
This Saturday’s meeting at Principality Stadium will undoubtedly prove to be an enthralling one.
Wales v South Africa, Saturday 24th November, 17:20. Limited tickets here.
