Australia 1999 Centenary of Test Rugby

• Issue Date: 8 June 1999
• Designed by: Mark Sofilas
• Printed by: SNP Ausprint
• Print Process: Lithography
• Stamp Size: 26 mm x 37.5 mms
• Withdrawal date: 30 March 2000

Description

This stamp issue commemorates 100 Years of Test Rugby in Australia. The first game of official test rugby played by an Australian team against an international opponent was at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 24 June 1899. More than 28,000 people watched Australia defeat the British Isles (known as the British Lions) 13–3. The visit by the Great Britain team, which won all but three of its 21 matches on the tour, excited public interest and gave rugby a clear advantage over its rival codes.

A test match is defined as any game in which an Australian team plays against another country whilst wearing the Wallaby jumper. ‘The Wallabies’ was voted in as the national team’s name in 1908. Selection in a team to play for Australia overseas has always been the greatest reward for a rugby player, and a tour of Britain the most eagerly sought honour. The tests are traditionally recognised as the most significant component of the game.

Stamps

The stamps capture four aspects of the dynamic game that is rugby.

Sheet Stamps

• Perforations: 14 x 14½, 14½ x 14 (45c)
• Format: sheets of 50 (two panes of 25 separated by a gutter)

45c Stamps

The se-tenant 45c stamps feature the Wallabies in action against New Zealand in a lineout and kicking the ball against England.

45c Lineout

45c Kicking

Se-tenant pair x 45c

$1 Stamp

The $1.00 stamp depicts a Wallaby try against South Africa.

$1 Try

$1.20 Stamp

The $1.20 stamp shows the Wallabies passing against a tackling Wales.

$1.20 Passing

Gutter Strip

The Wallabies 100 Years of Test Rugby logo was printed in the gutters of the 45c stamp sheet.

Gutter strip of 10 x 45c plus 5 labels

Self-adhesive Stamps

• Perforations: serpentine die cut 11½
• Format: coils of 100

Single Stamps

45c Lineout

45c Kicking

Coil Pair

Coil pair x 45c

First Day Covers

The first day of issue postmark was Sydney NSW 2000.

First day cover - sheet stamps

First day cover - self-adhesive stamps

Souvenir Cover

Australia Post produced a souvenir cover to celebrate Australia’s win in the 1999 Rugby world Cup in Cardiff on 6 November. The cover features the Rugby stamps issued on 8 June 1999, with a special postmark and cachet.

World Cup souvenir cover

Maximum Cards

45c Lineout maximum card	45c Kicking maximum card
$1 Try maximum card	$1.20 Passing maximum card

Presentation Pack

Presentation pack front cover Presentation pack back cover

Presentation pack of 4 values