A 1924 Invincibles jersey worn by All Black great George Nepia is on its way back to New Zealand. An anonymous New Zealand collective bought the prized piece of memorabilia at auction in Cardiff, Wales this week.
Now the Nepia family is looking at formally welcoming back a piece of their past - 91 years on.
George Nepia Jr says, “We can confirm that one of his test jerseys is coming home, it’s the jersey from the Welsh test game.”
George Nepia was only 19 years old when he became the star of the Invincible team who claimed New Zealand's first victory over Wales in 1924.
“For our whānau this is the ultimate result you know we were, very saddened by how the events unfolded and how we came to learn about them and in terms of gifting something and selling it it’s a bit of a no no,” added Nepia Jr.
The Nepia family received financial assistance from an anonymous source, who had a special affinity for their grandfather. The rugby fraternity is enormously pleased at the prospect of the special gem returning home.
The second of the Nepia's jerseys for auction was sold at auction in Wales for $5000 NZD and it is hoped in due course it can follow its predecessor.
“I'm in dialogue with the auction house at the moment to try and make contact with them and see if we can make contact with them,” said Nepia Jr.
The precious heirloom is expected back in New Zealand sometime within a fortnight's time.