Barbarians Jersey Donated by Scott Gibbs Next to be Auctioned by United States Rugby Foundation

San Diego, CA (August 24, 2006) –A Barbarians jersey worn and signed by former Welsh international Scott Gibbs in a match against Scotland at Murrayfield on May 31, 2000 is the latest jersey to be auctioned off by the United States Rugby Foundation.“The Foundation is very appreciative of Scott’s generosity in donating a coveted Barbarians jersey to assist in the development of the game in the US,” said USRF Executive Director Brian Vizard. “Scott’s reputation as one of the sports’ all-time great competitors is well known to even those like me who never had the opportunity to play against him. His donation of the jersey to support our programs speaks volumes about the man and his ongoing commitment to the development of the sport.”Scott Gibbs made his international test debut against England at Cardiff Arms Park in 1991 when he was just 19 years old. Before he reached his 23rd birthday he had played 20 tests for Wales and two more for the British and Irish Lions on the 1993 tour to New Zealand. After playing rugby league for three years with St. Helens, Scott went back to rugby union when the game went professional. He joined Swansea and it wasn’t long before he was representing Wales once again. He played another 33 tests for Wales and another three tests for the British and Irish Lions against South Africa in 1997. Scott was also named the Lions “Player of the Series.” He also toured with the Lions to Australia in 2001. One of the most devastating tacklers to ever take the pitch, Scott’s last international was against Italy in 2001. He retired from all rugby in January 2004.A picture of the jersey, along with a brief account of the match between the Barbarians and Scotland from May 31, 2000 can be found on eBay, item #180021814141. The bidding will conclude at 11:00 am PDT on Sunday, September 3, 2006.The Gibbs jersey is the latest jersey to be auctioned by the USRF. A Dean Richards England #8 jersey was the first to be posted on eBay. That was followed by a rare green Welsh jersey worn by #8 Paul Moriarty. Eric Champ’s #6 French jersey was next on the auction block. Noel Mannion’s Ireland #8 jersey was next up followed by a #8 jersey worn by Canadian great Glenn Ennis. The Wallaby #8 jersey worn by the talented Tim Gavin followed. Then came the jerseys worn by former Scottish 8man, Stuart Reid; 1991 Rugby World Cup Italian skipper Gianni Zanon and Japan #8 Michihito Chida. Last month’s jersey on auction was worn by Romanian #8 Hary Dumitras. All proceeds from the auctions benefit the USRFF Ball and High School Start-Up Kit Grant Programs.The USRF is a non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization established in 1963. Although its main focus is supporting youth and high school rugby, the Foundation also provides grants to coaches and referees; establishes international student exchanges and college scholarships, has assisted the United States Collegiate All-Americans and Boys Under-19 teams, and also provides grants to Safety and Risk Management Research.For more information about the Foundation, go to its website at: www.usrugbyfoundation.org.