1997 Gauteng Lions Leisure Rugby Shirt (XXL)

Condition: 7/10 Good. Slight colour fade. A small dot mark on the lower front. A few small faint marks around the lower front & rear, near the hem

Size: Adult XXL

Chest Measurement: 50-52 Inches / 127-132 CM

Manufacturer: Nike

Colour: Red & white, black & gold trim

Material: Cotton

Seasons: 1997

Player: N/A

Patches: N/A

Official Nike Gauteng Lions short sleeved leisure rugby shirt from the 1997 season.

The condition of this original rugby jersey is 7/10 - Good. Slight colour fade. A small dot mark on the lower front. A few small faint marks around the lower front & rear, near the hem (see photos).

When the Super 12 was launched in 1996, both Australia and New Zealand created franchise-based models for their teams in the new tournament. South Africa however, used the previous seasons Currie Cup to determine what provinces would be promoted to the new international tournament. The Transvaal Rugby Union were promoted in the first ever season, winning three of their 11 fixtures, finishing in 10th position on the end of season ladder, above the Canterbury Crusaders and the Western Province.

Transvaal were again promoted to the Super 12 for the 1997 season, and played under the title of the Gauteng Lions. The Lions' season was a lot more successful than their results in the inaugural season. The Lions won and lost five matches, and drawing one, to finish in fifth place overall on the end of season table, two points behind the fourth-placed Natal Sharks, narrowly missing out on a place in the finals.