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MELBOURNE - A 120-year-old ticket from the first ever international rugby union match, between England and NSW, is to be sold at auction.
The ticket commemorates the first British rugby tour abroad, which was played at the Association Cricket Ground in Sydney on Saturday, August 4, 1888.
The first official international match between England and Australia did not happen for another 20 years, until after federation, in London.
The ticket will be auctioned with a NSW `Waratah' cloth badge and together they are expected to fetch up to $2,800 ($3150.66) at the sale by Charles Leski Auctions in Melbourne.
The 1888 tour was marred by tragedy - the British captain died in a boating accident and was replaced by a man who had just completed a tour of Australia with the English cricket team.
In addition, members played a number of Australian Rules Football matches in Victoria and South Australia to help cover their expenses.
The auction will also include the sale of an Olympic torch from the 1956 Melbourne Olympics.
The torch, owned by the late mayor of the Melbourne Olympic Village Philip Miskin, is expected to sell for up to $10,000.
Mr Miskin's entire collection of memorabilia is expected to fetch between $50,000 and $70,000.
The auction will be held on November 6.
- AAP
