Rare Priceless Rugby Jersey goes under the hammer   23 Oct 2015

Rare Priceless Rugby Jersey goes under the hammer

Auckland Communities Foundation reconnects with Rare Priceless Rugby Jersey

Rugby enthusiasts have a rare opportunity to bid for a rare signed jersey, but the winner of the Trade Me auction will probably have to dig deep.

One of only 25 shirts bearing the autographs of the captains of the seven teams that have won the Rugby World Cup is being sold to raise money for education and Auckland Communities Foundation has been asked to help.

On Trade Me yesterday, the jersey had reached $2040 after 27 bids, and the page had been viewed nearly 5000 times.

The jersey's owner is Kirk Sargent, board member of Auckland Communities Foundation – the organisation that helped organise the original Mayoress’ Charity Gala Ball which first auctioned the jersey as a fundraiser to support the youth of Auckland.

Mr Sargent said all the profits raised by the auction would go towards supporting education opportunities in New Zealand, but he will enlist the specialist philanthropic support that Auckland Communities Foundation offers.

"I have learnt a lot from my role as chairperson of the research and grants committee of Auckland Communities Foundation. To be effective in your grant making is no easy matter; I will use Auckland Communities Foundation to help”.

The Jersey has an interesting history. All Black Andy Haden was asked to create the jersey, which is made up of four different colours with each quarter representing a winning team - yellow for Australia, green for South Africa, white for England and black for New Zealand. Haden gathered the captains' signatures in 2011, while they were in New Zealand for that year's cup tournament.

“The signatures make the jersey special, but this jersey also has soul. I have seen first-hand the charities and individuals who have benefitted from the original funds raised. I like the idea that we can up-cycle the jersey and make a new investment into our rich and vibrant community” said Mr Sargent. “I’m guessing that David Kirk didn’t fully comprehend the contribution he made when he held up the cup in 1987, I like that”

Other jerseys had sold for more than $7500 each, Mr Sargent said, so he was hoping the bidding war would continue until the auction's closed on Monday evening.

Signatures

• 1987 David Kirk - New Zealand
• 1991 Nick Farr-Jones - Australia
• 1995 Francois Pienaar - South Africa
• 1999 John Eales - Australia
• 2003 Martin Johnson - England
• 2007 John Smit - South Africa
• 2011 Richie McCaw - New Zealand

https://www.facebook.com/RWC.Number7

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=967113109&ed=true

ENDS

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