Rare All Blacks Shirt Goes on Display at M Shed

From the New Zealand teams first ever tour to the British Isles, a completely original All Blacks shirt has gone on display at Bristol’s M Shed museum in Bath, all in anticipation of the 2015 Rugby World Cup Final.

The owner of the “Originals” shirt is believed to be New Zealand full back Ernest Booth of whom toured with the team during their landmark visit to the British Isles in 1905.

23 September 1905 at the County Ground, Nevil Road was the momentous day when Booth swapped his shirt with opposite fullback James Oates. This was after a 41-0 point win against Bristol RFC.

Jean Pratten has been a Bristol Rugby fan for almost 65 years and is the widow of former Bristol RFC captain Doug Pratten. He was given the shirt by Oates in the mid 1950’s, and Jean has kindly decided to loan the shirt to the museum this year.

Mrs Pratten said: “I am so excited that rugby fans will be able to see this shirt in M Shed which is so important to the people of Bristol.”

Astoundingly the shirt is thought to be only one of nine still in existence and it will be on display in the Life Gallery of M Shed until January 2016.

Wanting to make it a rugby full weekend? Then head along to the Big Screen Bristol in Millennium Square will be showing both the Rugby World Cup Final and Bronze Final. The Bronze Final between South Africa and Argentina will be shown at 8pm on Friday (30 October). The Final between reigning champions New Zealand and Australia will be shown at 4pm on Saturday (31 October).