John Nolan's international cap from the first British Lions Tour, New Zealand & Australia, 1888, red...
John Nolan's international cap from the first British Lions Tour, New Zealand & Australia, 1888, red, green & gold velvet, embroidered with crossed flags & inscribed ANGLO AUSTRALIAN TEAM, gold thread tassel footnote John Nolan of Rochdale Hornets was a member of the very first British Lions squad, who toured New Zealand & Australia in the spring of 1888. No Test Matches were played on this tour, but the Lions participated in 16 matches in Australia & 19 in New Zealand, winning 27, drawing 6 and suffering 2 defeats (both in NZ). Whilst playing in Victoria, the Lions also played a number of matches under 'Aussie' rules. John Nolan was born & bres in Rochdale and made rapid progress as a player. The scrum-half was recognised as a player of considerable promise when playing in local rugby and was signed by the Hornets in 1884. Following two successful seasons, when he scored 19 and 24 tries, his brilliant play was rewarded through the award of a county cap in season 1887-88 and his selection for this Tour. Following his rugby career, Nolan suffered an early death at the age of 43 in 1907. This was the result of fatal injuries sustained in a scaffolding accident while Nolan was working on the extensions to the Atlas Mills in the Waterloo district.