Brian Vizard (USRFF) auctioning Scotland jersey

April 16, 2006

Brian Vizard is one of the true heroes of North American rugby. He puts his money where his mouth is. I don't know if I could part with the jerseys I accumulated from international test matches, not even if it was for personal profit. But Viz does it time and again raising money for the U.S. Rugby Football Foundation. This time he's auctioning off a jersey worn by Scotland #8 Stuart Reid.

USRFF Press release

STUART REID SCOTLAND JERSEY NEXT TO BE AUCTIONED BY UNITED STATES RUGBY FOOTBALL FOUNDATION

A jersey worn by Scotland #8 Stuart Reid, in a test match against the United States is the latest jersey to be auctioned off by the United States Rugby Football Foundation to support its youth and high school grant programs.

Stuart was just a youngster when he toured with the Scots to America in 1991. He won a total of eight caps for Scotland and made as many international tours with the national team. Stuart was also a member of Scotland’s 1999 Five Nations championship team. His international career came to a close in a win against England in 2000, Scotland’s last victory over England until this season’s Six Nation’s victory. Stuart played professionally in France for Narbonne from 1999-2001 and captained the French side to the European Shield final in 2001.

A picture of the jersey, along with a brief account of the test match between the United States and Scotland from May 18, 1991 can be found on eBay, item #8795567558. The bidding will conclude at 10:00 am (PST) on Sunday, April 23, 2006.

“I remember looking across the lineout at Stuart and thinking ‘I’m getting too old for this game’,” said USRFF Executive Director Brian Vizard, who is donating 10 jerseys he’s collected throughout his international career with the U.S. to be used as auction items. “Then he goes and scores two tries in the match! It was a pretty good game for about 60 minutes but we just couldn’t compete that last quarter of the match.”

“This test match I always remember as perhaps one of the best ones I played,” said Reid. “As a 21 year old new boy in the Scotland team I was unsure how the game would unfold for us. Thankfully, a good performance from ourselves saw us record a win and the fact that I scored two tries added a real buzz to the occasion on a personal level.”

The Reid jersey is the latest jersey to be auctioned by the USRFF. A Dean Richards England #8 jersey was the first to be posted on eBay. That was followed by a rare green Welsh jersey worn by #8 Paul Moriarty. Eric Champ’s #6 French jersey was next on the auction block. Noel Mannion’s Ireland #8 jersey was next up followed by a #8 jersey worn by Canadian great Glenn Ennis. Last month’s jersey on auction was worn by former Wallaby star 8man, Tim Gavin. All proceeds from the auctions benefit the USRFF Ball and High School Start-Up Kit Grant Programs.

The USRFF is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization established in 1963. Although its main focus is supporting youth and high school rugby, the Foundation also provides grants to coaches and referees; establishes international student exchanges and college scholarships, has assisted the United States Collegiate All-Americans and Boys Under-19 teams, and also provides grants to Safety and Risk Management Research.

For more information about the United States Rugby Football Foundation, visit www.usrugbyfoundation.org.

Let's hope Brian gets a good bid on that jersey. The money goes to a good cause. Last week the USRFF awarded "Ball Grants" to 25 youth and high school clubs and programs.