There are a number of vintage Groggs with an air of mystery
to them! Often, only the most keen-eyed collector will be able to spot the
likeness to a player within an un-named Grogg or the purpose of a miscellaneous
piece. I remember seeing a vintage Grogg on eBay where the item was listed as
‘Rare Grogg of Mervyn Davies?’ where the playing number on the back was No1
(prop)! I hope that the following article and examples will be of interest to
collectors, please get in touch with myself or Rob if you have any interesting
examples to share!
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
Un-named Groggs
Usually vintage Groggs of a particular team did not name any
specific player but the likenesses were based on iconic players.
Examples Include:
The
British Lions (based on Gareth Edwards)
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
London
Welsh RFC (based on John Taylor)
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
However, there are examples of team Groggs where the players
are named.
For example:
Gerald Davies (Cardiff RFC Grogg)
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
Miscellaneous
The John Hughes Select XV v The Rest (official biographer
Gren) were produced to reflect generic players rather than being based on
real-life players.
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
During the 1990s S4C commissioned a Grogg of a miscellaneous
player to be awarded as Man of the Match.
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
Interestingly, the world of rugby and
animal Groggs collided as the likeness of Mervyn Davies was replicated in a Grogg
of a mouse! ‘Mervyn Mouse’ is one of the quirkiest Groggs I have ever seen!
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| Add caption |
The Real Mervyn Davies
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
Here are examples of Groggs that are not
known to be based on any player in particular, as far as I know! Any
suggestions gratefully received!
Australia 6” Grogg
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
Vive La France 6” Grogg
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
Prop (No3) (no base at all)
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
Ireland Forever
(with the inscription ‘Willie John McBride
Forged’ inscribed on the ball)
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
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| Photograph Courtesy of Jonathan Fry |
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