David Sole's famous one-sleeved Scotland rugby top is going under the hammer

ONE of the most iconic jerseys in Scottish rugby history could fetch £2000 at auction later this month - because it only has one sleeve.
David Sole's Scotland top - minus one sleeveDavid Sole's Scotland top - minus one sleeve
David Sole's Scotland top - minus one sleeve

The famous dark blue shirt was worn by Scotland captain David Sole in the 1991 Rugby World Cup semi-final against England at Murrayfield.

The loose-head prop cut the left sleeve off to prevent his opposite number in the English team, Jeff Probyn, from gripping onto it and gaining an advantage.

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Although Scotland eventually lost the semi 9-6, it remains the furthest Scotland has reached in a World Cup.

David Sole playing for ScotlandDavid Sole playing for Scotland
David Sole playing for Scotland

The iconic jersey will go under the hammer at McTear's sale of sporting medals and trophies on November 20, with an estimate of £1000-2000.

It comes with a letter of authentication signed by Sole, which reads: "As you can see its somewhat unique nature is displayed in the fact that it only has one sleeve.

"The other was cut off prior to the game to try and prevent illegalities occurring in the front row during the game. Consequently it is a 'one-off' in the original sense of the word."

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Scotland had high hopes of reaching their first ever World Cup final after defeating England at Murrayfield to clinch the Five Nations Grand Slam the previous year.

Rob Andrew scored a late drop goal to seal victory for England, who would go on to lose to Australia in the final at Twickenham.

Andrew's drop-goal followed two penalties by fullback Jon Webb but there was heartbreak for Gavin Hastings who slotted two kicks but missed a vital third from in front of the posts at 6-6 to hand victory to the Auld Enemy.

James Bruce, from McTear’s, said: "David Sole standing on the Murrayfield pitch in his torn shirt during the 1991 World Cup semi-final has become an iconic image in world sport.

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"It was a gruelling game and Sole had cut his sleeves to avoid any illegalities occurring in the front during the fixture. To see that very shirt come to auction is quite something and we expect there will be significant interest when this important piece of rugby history goes under the hammer."

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