NZRU seeks return of historic jersey

Rotorua Energy Events Centre. File Photo / Ben Fraser

The New Zealand Rugby Union is appealing for the return of a rare 100-year-old Maori rugby jersey stolen from Rotorua in June.

The 1910 jersey belonged to New Zealand Maori hooker David Small - a member of the first New Zealand Maori team.

The Small family had loaned the jersey to the Maori team for their three-match centenary series celebration in June.

The fragile jersey was stolen from the Energy Events Centre in Rotorua. It is black with a red centre band and a gold fern.

"Our efforts so far to find the jersey have not been successful and we have been left with no choice but to lodge a formal police complaint," New Zealand Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew said.

New Zealand Maori coach Jamie Joseph said it was distressing that people felt it was okay to steal what was a special taonga (treasure) for New Zealand Maori rugby and for David Small's family.

A police team would investigate the theft of a jersey, acting District Commander John Tims said.

- NZPA