Walker’s jersey baits the big cats

THERE’S another world out there. I was recently scrolling through the online brochure for this week’s sports memorabilia auction at Mulloch’s auctioneers in Shropshire when an item jumped from the screen. Rugby’s big day is Monday by the way.

It was all pretty routine to start with. Lot 450, Romania v Scotland programme 1984, suggested bidding range £20-40. Or perhaps Lot 444, France v Italy programme 1997 £2040. But then came Lot 451, “Extremely rare and early 1870s England rugby international jersey £15,000 – £20,000”. Bloody hell!

Further reading of the bumf reveals that the RFU have ascertained that it belonged to Manchester forward Roger Walker and dates back to the fourth international game of rugby ever played, a 20-aside affair between England and Scotland in February 1874, an encounter England won 1-0. It has a drawstring waistband as was the fashion then and the original buttons, although the red rose seems to have faded to green. Generally though it’s in fantastic nick.

Walker went on to win another four caps, the last in 1880, and never tasted defeat in an England jersey. A notable mover and shaker, he was to become a president of

the RFU and the manager of the highly successful 1896 Lions tour.

The big cats will be circling for this one, it could get very lively so the rest of us will have to sit on our hands and take a back seat. Meanwhile, I might raid the piggy bank and bid for the France-Italy programme, it’s the match in which Italy recorded a notable win in Grenoble. If successful I will send it to Massimo Giovanelli, their captain that day. Wish me