USRFF auctioning Scott Stewart CANADA test jersey

October 22, 2006

Brian Vizard -- ex-USA Eagles captain and currently the Executive Director of the United States Rugby Football Foundation -- usually auctions his prized test jerseys from his personal collection to support the foundation.

Vizard had auctioned so many of his own test match swaps that he's probably depleted his collection, but he's got high profile friends and they are generously donating jerseys for auction and help out as well. Let's face it, when you've worked your arse off and made as many personal sacrifices to champion the sport in the United States as Brian has, the generosity becomes contagious. Former Canadian test international Scott Stewart steps up to the plate to help out.

Press release

UNITED STATES RUGBY FOOTBALL FOUNDATION AUCTIONING SCOTT STEWART CANADA JERSEY

A Canada jersey worn by flyhalf Scott Stewart in a test match against Fiji at Apia Park in Samoa on July 7, 2000 is the latest jersey to be auctioned off by the United States Rugby Football Foundation.

"Donating the jersey is to help in a small way with the positive efforts I have witnessed by countless volunteers attempting to develop the game here in the US," said the former Canadian great. "In many cases, dedicated people have created programs out of nothing which takes serious dedication and effort which often is unrecognized."

"The Foundation would like to express its thanks to Scott for his generous contribution of a Canada jersey," said USRFF Executive Director Brian Vizard. "It's never easy for international players to part with their test match jerseys as they worked so hard to achieve each and every one. That makes our appreciation even more heartfelt. Scott and the other internationals that have contributed memorabilia can be assured though that the money raised through the auctions will benefit the game at the youth and high school level."

Scott Stewart made his international rugby debut as a 20-year-old against the United States in September, 1989 and for the next 13 years was a mainstay in the red Canada jumper. Scott’s last international match was on June 9, 2001 against England. He finished with 64 caps for his country playing against all the top rugby playing nations, including New Zealand (twice), England (5 times), France (4 times), Australia (3 times), South Africa (Twice), Wales (4 times) and Argentina (4 times). He dotted down five times for his country and scored a total of 84 points including 17 in Canada’s 27-27 tie against Ireland in 2000. Scott is also one of the few in the world who has played in a total of five World Cups (3 XVs and 2 VIIs). Scott has been the head coach of the UCLA men’s team since 2004.

A picture of the jersey, along with a brief account of the match between Canada and Fiji from July 7, 2000 and more on Scott’s international experience can be found on eBay, item #180040008364. The bidding will conclude at 10:00 am PDT on Saturday, October 28, 2006.

The Stewart 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. The Wallaby #8 jersey worn by the talented Tim Gavin followed. Then came the jerseys worn by former Scottish 8man, Stuart Reid; 1991 Rugby World Cup Italian skipper Gianni Zanon; Japan #8 Michihito Chida and Romanian #8 Hary Dumitras. Last month’s jersey on auction was worn by Welsh legend Scott Gibbs in a Barbarians match against Scotland. 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.