I am an ardent rugby enthusiast and proprietor of my own private museum on original, amateur, 15-man code International, South African Provincial and South African Representative memorabilia.
My museum consists of the following memorabilia from yesteryear: annuals, books, brochures, lapel badges, long sleeved match worn numbered jerseys without sponsor’s logo and without striped sleeves, magazines featuring Letters to the Editor columns, match day programmes, pennants, ties, eg. commemorative, full motif Rugby World Cup tournament memorabilia, featuring all participating countries, non-players, players, touring, used match day tickets and yearbooks, etc.
Apart from former international and South African provincial players from the amateur era, I appeal to readers who can help me with much sought after memorabilia from yesteryear to contact me at the address below, or directly on my mobile.
All letters and calls will be answered, but please be warned: no rogues or shysters.
Please take note that all required memorabilia are for display purposes in my museum only, and not for private use, and that is a solemn promise.
I have made more friends through rugby than in my private capacity, and my philosophy is that rugby friends are friends for life.
I became a rugby fan in 1965 and was very keen on playing my beloved sport.
However, it was not to be, as, in 1966, I severely sustained a injury to my left knee.
Not only did it dampen my spirit, but also shattered my dream of playing rugby.
To make up for my disappointment, the idea of starting my own museum on rugby came to mind, which, despite a senseless and uncalled for burglary, still remains my pride and joy.
The nature of my injury was so severe that it left me permanently semi-disabled for life.
The surgeon told my late dad that, should I dare to play rugby, he would have no choice but to amputate my leg.
After three major surgeries in 1972, 1973 and 1974, I came to the sad realisation that I would only be able to watch rugby from the touchline.
Sadly, and much to my anger and frustration, thieves broke into my museum, and stole the following memorabilia: books, lapel badges, match day programmes, match worn numbered jerseys, ties such as commemorative, non-player’s, player’s and touring.
To acquire this much sought-after memorabilia took me exactly 48 years of endless appointments, attending of matches, meetings, negotiations, phone calls and visits.
Details of stolen memorabilia and wish lists are available on request.
The theft of the irreplaceable and valuable memorabilia left a huge gap in my museum.
One can only imagine my anger and frustration at the time of the burglary. Sadly, some of the gentlemen who donated memorabilia to me for my museum are no longer with us.
These stolen memorabilia are not only of historical significance, but also of sentimental value.
To give former players and readers an idea, herewith are details of memorabilia from the amateur era on International, South African Provincial and South African Representative Rugby, for which I am looking and which, no doubt, will add pride to my museum:
International:
Annuals, books, lapel badges, long-sleeved match-worn numbered jerseys without sponsor’s logo and without striped sleeves, magazines, match day programmes: commemorative worldwide, Internationals: FIRA , Non and Top eight countries worldwide, Rugby World Cup finals, South Africa home and away, tour matches South Africa away, pennants, ties: commemorative worldwide, full motif Rugby World Cup featuring all participating countries, non player’s, player’s, used match day tickets South African International and tour matches home and away and yearbooks.
South African Provincial:
Books, brochures, lapel badges, long-sleeved match-worn numbered jerseys without sponsor’s logo and without striped sleeves, magazines match day programmes: finals, international playing countries, home and away, provincial matches home and away, pennants, ties, eg., commemorative and player’s, used match day tickets on all matches been or to be played.
South African Representative:
Match day programmes and used tickets vs tourists.
Attention: Mr F J van der Vyver, Van’s Rugby Museum, P O Box 5122, Pretoria, 0001.
Mobile: 083 689-0896
083 689-0896
