The World Rugby Museum has recently acquired an unusual and unique item. It is a 75 x 75 cm scarf embroidered with the signatures of famous international rugby players from the 1950s to 1990s and is the life's work of Mrs Marlene Wright.
Marlene got the ball rolling while still a schoolgirl in 1954, by asking several of her friends to sign it first. The following year, she was volunteering at her local rugby club when half of the Irish side walked in. Seizing the opportunity, she collected eight signatures and later embroidered them in green.
It was the custom at the time, for visiting international sides to stay in Porthcawl, at the Seabank Hotel, before matches against Wales in Cardiff. To warm up before the match, they would use the local rugby club, where Marlene would often serve refreshments.