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An Introduction to 1954 Rugby League World Cup
The 1954 Rugby League World Cup T-Shirt in Navy is inspired by the history of the inaugural tournament held in France.
Great Britain left Lyon in high spirits following their 28 points to 13 victory over Australia. They travelled by bus to Toulouse where they played their second match of the tournament against the hosts. The tournament was gaining momentum and a crowd of 37,471 was drawn for this epic encounter staged at the Stadium Municipal in Toulouse. It was a thrilling game that was in the balance right up to the final whistle. Great Britain thought they had won the match when Gerry Helme dummied his way over to score, following tries by David Rose and Gordon Brown. However, some great handling by the French three quarters allowed Raymond Contrastin to go over in the corner. This added to an earlier try by Contrastin and Prop Joseph Krawzyck. The game conveniently finished a draw 13 points to 13.
Clive Churchill inspires Australia
While the European teams battled in Toulouse, Australia and New Zealand met in the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille. The crowd of 20,000 witnessed the Aussies, inspired by their Captain Clive Churchill come out on top by 34 points to 15. Queensland Centre scored three tries in Australia’s eight try tally.
The draw in Toulouse opened up the opportunity for both Great Britain and France to meet in a decider assuming they could win their next matches against Australia and New Zealand. Both succeeded. Great Britain comfortably defeated the Kiwis by 26 points to 6. They scored six tries in total with Leigh winger Frank Kitchen going over for two. In Nantes France killed off Australia’s hopes with a 15 points to 5 win. Tries were scored by the outstanding trio of Vincent Cantoni, Raymond Contrastin and Jacques Merquey with Puig Aubert adding three goals. Australia could only manage a single try through Kel O’Shea and goal through Noel Pidding.
The 1954 Rugby League World Cup Final
A crowd of over 30,000 filled the Parc des Princes in Paris. The two Captains Puig Aubert of France and Dave Valentine of Great Britain led their respective nations in a match full of excitement. France took an early lead through a Puig Aubert penalty. Then Great Britain began to take control, first former Scotland Rugby Union international Dave Rose crossed in the corner. This quickly followed by a well worked try for the Leeds Rugby League stand off Gordon Brown. Leigh’s James Ledgard manage one conversion, but Puig Aubert landed another penalty to close the gap to 8 points to 4 at half-time.
After the break, powerful French winger Vincent Cantoni scored an excellent try and Puig Aubert added the extra points through the conversion. This resulted in France taking a one point lead. Valentine rallied his team and Gerry Helme jinked his way over and Ledgard added the extras to restore Britain’s lead. Gordon Brown’s second try shortly afterwards once again stretched their lead. However this was short lived, when Raymond Contrastin went over for a well worked try.
France threw everything at the British line, but they held out, and against all predictions, became the first ever Rugby League World Cup Champions.
Rugby League Cares
With every sale, Rugby League Cares receives donations as a charity that helps players transition out of the sport. And supports players’ past and present who are enduring poor health or hardship.
Manufactured from 100% cotton, the Ellis Rugby 1954 Rugby League World Cup T-Shirt Navy features a classic print celebrating the history of the inaugural tournament held in France. Also, this garment includes a decorative woven label.
This T-Shirt is available in sizes S - 5XL.
As well as the 1954 Rugby League World Cup T-Shirt Navy, we also offer this style in Olive and our 1972 Rugby League T-Shirts in Red or White.
11 сен 2024
