Welsh Rugby Union | Wales & Regions

It belonged to none other than the legendary Clive Rowlands OBE, a man who would go on to achieve almost everything that could be achieved in Welsh rugby.

Players of the modern era may enjoy a surfeit of ‘stash’, but 54 years ago Rowlands, and Wales teammates such as Neath’s Brian Thomas and London Welsh’s John Dawes, made do with limited items of kit.

Some might be surprised that it took so long for Wales to pack their kitbags for an overseas tour. Ireland had already visited South Africa three years earlier, although their touring history stretches all the way back to 1899 when they played eleven matches in Canada.

Like Ireland, Wales would lose their Test match against the Springboks, but performed admirably in their other fixtures. First up was a meeting with East Africa in Nairobi, which Wales won 26-8, before seeing off Boland (17-6). They lost 22-9 to Northern Transvaal but then, determined to end their tour on a high, overcame Orange Free State 14-6 in Bloemfontein.

Rowlands was first capped against England in 1963, and was captain for every one of his appearances in the red jersey, one of the many highlights including a Triple Crown in 1965. Despite being from Upper Cwmtwrch near Swansea, international recognition came as a Pontypool player, since Rowlands was then a teacher in Cwmbran.

After hanging up his boots, Rowlands became Wales coach from 1968 to 1974, in what was a glorious period for Welsh rugby. An article by ESPN on his 80th birthday earlier this year illustrates the colour and breadth of his achievements.

We can look at Rowlands’s kitbag from 1964 as representing the start of what would become a great tradition of Welsh rugby tours, with Warren Gatland’s men writing the latest chapter in Washington DC and Argentina over the summer.

With thanks to Peter Owens, WRU Rugby Heritage Manager.

UNDER ARMOUR SERIES FIXTURES

Wales vs Scotland (November 3, kick-off 2.45pm)
Wales vs Australia (November 10, kick-off 5.20pm)
Wales vs Tonga (November 17, kick-off 2.30pm)
Wales vs South Africa (November 24, kick-off 5.20pm)

Tickets for the 2018 Under Armour Series are on sale now here from just £45 adults and £15 U16.