The Players
Sam Walker (1912 – 1972)
Sam Walker was a celebrated prop-forward, featuring for his native Belfast club of Instonians at club level, as well as being decorated for his national side and the British Isles.
Walker made his international debut against England on the 10th February 1934 in a ten-point loss (13-3).
Between 1934-1938 he scored 15 caps for his country with a tally of one try and two conversions. He would captain the Shamrocks in his final international fixture against Wales in Swansea.
In 1938 Walker’s stock grew further when he was appointed captain of the British Isles side (now British and Irish Lions) on a tour of South Africa. His leadership was admired as he managed to maintain morale on a tour that was plagued by injury and selection difficulties.
His style of play was also popular with British fans as it was an expansive, free-flowing brand of rugby which boasted a high tempo and garnered high scores.
He participated in all 17 invitational games throughout the 1938 tour and in all 3 tests against the South Africa national team in which he would take-up his favoured position as prop alongside his counterpart; Bunner Travers.
Player stats
position PROP (3)
height 5ft 11”
weight 14st 11LB
debut Ireland v England Lansdowne Road 10th February 1934
appearances 18
The tour party was led by Ireland's Sam Walker and managed by Col. Hartley. The campaign took in 24 matches. Of the 24 games, 19 were against club or invitational teams, 3 were test matches against the South African national team and the other 2 games were outside South Africa against Rhodesia.
The Walker
A vintage reproduction of the classic 1938 international Lions rugby shirt
Made from 100% cotton, this Sam Walker jersey is a study of the original worn by the iconic Irish and British Isles prop.
Its highly woven cloth delivers supreme quality with a contrast twill collar and featuring nape embroidery commemorating the player’s signature characteristics.
We’ve incorporated the British Isles crest featuring the England, Wales, Ireland and Scotland insignias, delivering an authentic vintage jersey that is tailored for a contemporary audience.
100% British made in our manufacturing facility here in the Midlands, with yarn spun in the same building.
Limited Edition range with only 250 jerseys available!