New Zealand Rugby Union Tour - Original All Blacks Shirt

An historic New Zealand "Original All Blacks" shirt from the tour of the British Isles, France and the United States in 1905-1906. The Original All Blacks, also simply known as "The Originals", were the first New Zealand nation rugby union team to tour outside Australasia. They defeated every English side they faced and the national teams of Scotland, Ireland and England; they suffered their only loss of the 35-match tour when defeated 3-0 by Wales at Cardiff Arms Park. The 1905 All Blacks tour of Britain went on to achieve legendary status within the rugby world and New Zealand in particular. They scored 976 points and conceded only 59, and thus set the standard for all subsequent All Black sides. The tour also saw the first use of the All Blacks nickname and established New Zealand's reputation as a world class rugby nation as well as the famous black shirt becoming an international sporting icon. This "Originals" shirt is believed to have been worn in the match versus Swansea at St Helens Ground in South Wales on 30th December 1905, the last match in Britain before the tour proceeded to France. (Photo by Popperfoto via Getty Images/Getty Images)