Rugby cap home ..after 125 years

But now one of Scottish rugby's most valuable artefacts has come home.

Earning pride of place in a showroom of Murrayfield Stadium, the 1886 international cap is among the oldest items in the home of Scottish rugby and has travelled more than 10,000 miles to take up the honour.

Belonging to centre Reginald Herbert Morrison – who enjoyed a hat trick of appearances for Scotland while completing a medicine degree at Edinburgh University – the Victorian cap was returned to its birthplace by Rebecca, his great-granddaughter-in-law, who had flown to the city on business.

And she brought another two caps in her luggage, one from the university and another whose origins are yet to be identified.

The homecoming is the culmination of months of work by Scottish Rugby's librarian Mike O'Reilly and the Morrison family. After delivering her antique haul to rugby staff yesterday, Rebecca Morrison said it was "marvellous" to bring the cap "back where it belongs".

"The cap has been kept in a dark cupboard for some time so it's a wonderful chance to bring it alive again," she said.

"And one day my children can come here, watch a game at Murrayfield and then see it on display – that would be very special and better than being in a dark cupboard somewhere."

Rebecca said there was a "striking resemblance" between the international rugby star and his great-grandson, her husband.

A matching jumper presented to players with the vintage cap had been worn to "tatters" by her father-in-law who grew up on a farm, Rebecca added.

Australian-born Reginald Herbert Morrison, known as Reggie, played in all three international fixtures in 1886, taking on Wales, Ireland and England. Twice crossing the line against the Irish at Raeburn Place, Reggie earned the coveted title of Scotland's top try scorer for the year.

As well as rugby, Reggie excelled in cricket, football, swimming and middle distance running. He was also a skilled bridge player.

Born in Geelong, in the state of Victoria, the trainee doctor came to Edinburgh in his early twenties, following his father, brother and uncle into the medical profession.

After graduating in 1888, Morrison returned to native soil, leaving behind his short-lived rugby career and establishing a successful GP practice.

He became an honorary gynaecological surgeon at the Royal Women's Hospital in Victoria and lectured as a professor in gynaecology and obstetrics at Melbourne University.

Reggie's international cap is now showcased in the President's Suite at Murrayfield Stadium alongside the oldest Scottish cap in existence, which dates back to 1871.

Mr O'Reilly, the administration executive at Murrayfield, said: "Scottish Rugby thanks the Morrison family for their generous donation and the time they have taken to bring the cap home."