Rugby jersey, Wales

This Welsh rugby jersey was worn by English-born Arthur Harding (1878- 1947) who played for Wales and touring British teams. It was given to All Black Alexander (Alex) McDonald (1883-1967) after the Wales v New Zealand match at Cardiff Arms Park on 16 December 1905 when Wales controversially won 3-0. Harding was credited with devising the tactics to diffuse the All Blacks dominant 2-3-2 scrum formation. It was the only loss for the All Black ‘Originals’ team on their tour of the northern hemisphere in 1905-06. They travelled to Britain, France, and the United States, winning 34 of their 35 games.

Harding later captained the 1908 touring side to New Zealand. After his international career, he immigrated to New Zealand, working as a station master in Greymouth for several years until he retired to Whanganui, and died there in 1947.

All Black player Alex McDonald was a loose forward. He played for Kaikorai Rugby Football Club in Dunedin, and represented Otago at a provincial level. He first represented New Zealand as an All Black in 1905 as one of ‘The Originals’. Between 1905 and 1913, he played 41 matches for the All Blacks – 14 as captain – including eight internationals. He captained the 1913 Californian tour. His last game for Otago was in 1919.

After he retired from playing, McDonald went on to coach both the Otago and Wellington provincial teams, and became a selector for the North and South Island teams, and for the All Blacks from 1929-32 and again from 1944 to 1948. He co-managed the All Blacks on their 1938 tour of Australia, and was assistant manager for the 1949 South African tour. He was a life member of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union.