A truly special vintage rugby jersey from the Bethlehem Hooligans, produced by Canterbury of New Zealand and dating to the early 1980s, with some elements suggesting it could even originate from the late 1970s.

The Bethlehem Hooligans were based in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, and the club is known today as the Lehigh Valley Hooligans, continuing its rugby tradition in the region. Jerseys from this era reflect the grassroots nature of American rugby at the time, when clubs operated on a small scale and kit runs were extremely limited.

This jersey features classic old-school construction, including heavy cotton fabric, a traditional button collar, ribbed cuffs, and a stitched club crest. The original Canterbury tag reading “International Rugby Jersey” and “Made in New Zealand” is a strong indicator of its age, placing it firmly in rugby’s amateur era — long before professionalism, mass merchandising, or global replica production.

Because of their limited production and heavy use, club jerseys like this were rarely preserved, making surviving examples exceptionally hard to find. Due to its age and original cut, this jersey fits small compared to modern sizing, which is typical of rugby jerseys from this period.

A genuine collector’s item and a rare opportunity to own a piece of early American rugby club history, produced during Canterbury’s golden era of New Zealand manufacturing.

Please note all pictures shown are of the actual jersey up for purchase.

Product Care and Shipping Information
Professional Care:
At Classic Rugby, each jersey arrives professionally washed, air dried, and steamed, ensuring it’s ready to wear as soon as you receive it. (Excludes jerseys with tags or those with delicate logos).

Sizing Guide:
Please refer to our sizing guide before making a purchase. It’s important to note that vintage jerseys can have sizing differences compared to modern-day apparel.

Worldwide Shipping:
We proudly offer worldwide standard postage via NZ Post, which is fully tracked to give you peace of mind. For those needing faster delivery, we also provide DHL Express shipping. (Standard postage excludes Africa and South America).