Legendary rugby worn by Dave Gallaher jersey goes up for auction

Dave Gallaher wore the famous jersey during his country's first tour of the British Isles. Photo / Supplied

A 110-year-old jersey worn by a legendary New Zealand captain is expected to fetch the highest ever price for a rugby shirt -- after being kept by a Welsh laundryman for generations.

Dave Gallaher wore the famous jersey during his country's first tour of the British Isles.

It is expected to be sold for between £20,000 and £40,000 because it was the first time the famous all black strip was worn on tour.

Gallaher exchanged his muddy jersey with his Welsh counterpart after their match.

Wales captain Gwyn Nicholls took it to his family laundry business in Cardiff, before handing it to his rugby-mad van boy Thomas Mahoney.

The jersey was kept in his family for generations but is up for auction next month.

The price for Gallaher's shirt is expected to top the world record for a rugby jersey, set in May when a fan bid £21,500 (NZ$51,700) for a New Zealand shirt worn during the same 'Originals' tour and kept at a local rugby club in South Wales.

Ben Rogers, from auctioneers Rogers Jones & Co, said: "The jersey is undoubtedly the most significant sport-related lot we have ever offered.

"Gwyn Nicholls himself is an important figure in the world of rugby -- outside the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff stand the Gwyn Nicholls gates.

"Wales versus The Originals, in Cardiff, is regarded as one of sport's greatest matches with over 47,000 spectators at the Arms Park.

"Even before kick-off the match had become a landmark game when the Welsh supporters sang the national anthem 'Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau' in response to the New Zealand player's stirring performance of the haka."

Gallaher was born in Ireland in 1878 and emigrated to New Zealand with his family in the 1890s.

After becoming a prominent figure in New Zealand rugby, he captained his side's first tour outside Australasia in 1905, where they played in Britain, France, and Canada.

They lost only one match, going down 3-0 against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park.

Gallaher played 33 times for his country and won six test caps, with his career briefly interrupted in 1901 when he served in the Boer War.

Ten years after his retirement from rugby he volunteered to serve his country during World War I at the age of 42.

Gallaher was mortally wounded during the battle of Gravenstafel Spur on October 4, 1917, when a piece of shrapnel penetrated his helmet.

He was honoured in 2011 when a bronze statue of him was unveiled outside Eden Park.

The shirt for sale has the embroidered New Zealand silver fern badge and stitched canvas overlay to shoulders, upper chest and back area. It is complete with leather v-shape neckline. The auction is on October 9.