Rare rugby gear could fetch up to £15,000 at auction

A collection of Edwardian era Rugby League memorabilia including tasselled velvet caps could now go for auction in April for between £10,000 to £15,000 after they were taken by their owner to a valuation event at the KC Stadium in Hull today.

“They are rare because of their date; it was an interesting time because it was at a point when there was a split in the sport and Rugby League was formed and Rugby Union went its own way,” said sporting memorabilia expert Graham Budd, who was in Hull to see what the area’s sports fans had tucked away.

Another unusual item was a tracksuit top and bottom worn by Brazilian superstar Pele who got friendly with a woman working in a hotel in Warrington where the footballer stayed during the 1966 World Cup.

Bought over from the North West by its owner yesterday, it was valued at £3,000 to £4,000.

While interest in some antiques - ‘brown’ furniture in particular - has nose-dived, sports memorabilia appears to hold its own.

“I think it is just an extension of the passion fans have for the sport, the collections are just an extension of that love,” said Mr Budd, who sold an exceptionally rare 1952 Helsinki Olympics torch for £420,000 at Sotheby’s last June.

The specialist auctioneer added: “These valuation days are always fascinating as you never know what might be brought along.”

The items will be sold at Sotheby’s on April 25-26.