Ellis Rugby – Men’s New York Sweatshirt Rugby League – Navy – XL

Ellis Rugby – Mens New York Sweatshirt Rugby League – Navy

An Introduction to New York Sweatshirt Rugby League
Manufactured by Ellis Rugby,New York Sweatshirt Rugby League is an exceptional quality garment. It is a 100% cotton fleece lined sweatshirt. It features the stylish New York Crest on one arm and 13 applique on the other arm.

Features:
– Peach finish 100% cotton.
– Fleece lining.
– Chunky rib collar and cuffs.
– No. 13 applique on one arm.
– New York Rugby League woven crest on the other arm.
– Front design features applique and embroidery.

While the game is relatively new to New York the USA has an interesting history in Rugby League. There is little doubt the USA have some fine athletes who could easily adapt to thegame.

In 1953, a group of American football players led by Mike Dimitro left the USA to tour Australia. They left to play Rugby League as detailed in the book No Helmets Required. One of their star performers was Al. E. Kirkland. He had played three years of rugby union experience at Stanford. And he played either defensive tackle or offensive guard in American Football. During the tour he impressed in all his games. So much so that Latchem Robinson Australia Rugby League Kangaroos, commented I did not see a better Centre than Kirkland during my recent tour of England and France. I most certainly would have liked him in my Kangaroo team.

Kirkland signs for Parramatta and then joins Leeds Rugby League
Kirklands magnificent performances in the Centres for the American All Stars left a reputation in New South Wales and Queensland. Less than a year after leaving Australia Kirkland was back courtesy of the Parramatta club. He impressed in pre-season. By the time the season started, Coach Cecil Fifield was so impressed the American newcomer had a starting position in the Centres. He improved so much in an average team that he moved to Stand-Off to create openings at the second receiver. He was ever-present playing 18 games andscoring 4 tries for the Eels

After his time in Sydney, Kirkland returned to Bakersfield in the USA, but was keen to develop his Rugby League career. Following contact with Bill Fallowfield, head of the RFL in the UK. A trial was arranged with Leeds Rugby League reserve grade against Featherstone Rovers on the 17th August 1957. Kirkland scored 2 tries in the 31 points to 3 victory and was promoted to the firstteam three days later for the visit of Blackpool.

Lewis Jonesbroke the Leeds Rugby League Club goal kicking record in a runaway victory over Blackpool at Headingley by 68 points to 6. Jones broke clear of his own 25 and had the Blackpool line at his mercy, but instead of trotting over himself, he slowed down and unselfishly provide Kirkland with his first UK try in Rugby League.

Unfortunately, Kirkland was refused a work permit by the Ministry of Labour and was unable to turn professional. Devastated he returned home to Bakersfield, his Rugby League dream in tatters due to red tape.

What’s in the box
1 x RL Fleece Lined Cotton Sweatshirt