A UNIQUE piece of rugby history has been donated to Studley in Bloom – a 2003 World Cup winning rugby shirt signed by England winger and full back Jason Robinson.
That victory represented the only time a northern hemisphere club has won the trophy, a win sealed by an extra time drop goal from England fly half Johnny Wilkinson.
Now a shirt worn and signed by Robinson, who was recently on TV as a finalist in Channel 4’s The Jump, has come into the possession of the Studley Bloomers, donated by local resident, supporter and HMP Hewell officer Alan Jackson.
“I am absolutely stunned that Alan has done this,” said Gill Libethal, chair of the Bloomers.
“We get huge support from staff and prisoners at HMP Hewell as well as a host of other supporters, and Alan was adamant that we should have it.”
The shirt in turn was given to Alan by his nephew, who had it hanging in a pub he ran.
He immediately saw the value in it and felt it should go to a good cause like Studley in Bloom – an organisation that has done so much to improve the look of the village, winning a string of Heart of England in Bloom gold awards and clinching a Silver Gilt in the Britain in Bloom competition.
“We’re not going to rush in and sell the shirt straight away, we want to do justice to Alan and get the best possible price for it,” said Gill.
It is hope the proceeds will help buy a new planter for along the Alcester Road in Studley.
Rugby League convert Robinson is one of the all time greats of the game in both codes. He toured twice with the British Lions and is both an MBE and OBE.
Anyone interested in expressing an interest in buying the shirt can contact Gill at 01527 853132.
