The is believed to have been initially replaced between the wars by one made by a Bath lady called Rosina Rothery. Every season the doll would appear – dressed in the colours of the victor – and hang from the goalpost during the game. Many famous names have held the old doll aloft including Phil Bennett, Ieuan Evans, Scott Quinnell, Jeremy Guscott, Stuart Barnes and John Hall.
Next month the Scarlets meet Bath in the Powergen Semi-Final at the Millennium Stadium the doll will make another appearance dressed in Scarlet. The Scarlets having won the last encounter in the Heineken Cup quarter-final in 2002. In all. the clubs have played each other 138 times, Llanelli winning 93 of the encounters, Bath 38 and seven drawn. Both Scarlets and Bath players and supporters have fond memories of the Rag Doll and friendships forged over the years.
Former Scarlet star Scott Quinnell, said: “I remember the old Rag Doll well. As a youngster at Stradey Park we used to wonder why they were hanging a kid from the crossbars! Seriously though it’s a great tradition and its wonderful that even in this professional era these quirky things live on.”
“The two clubs have had some fantastic encounters over the years and two things could always be relied on: the rag doll and a great open brand of rugby. And I’m sure it will be the same in the Millennium Stadium in March – I can’t wait.”
Bath Rugby v Llanelli Scarlets
Powergen Anglo-Welsh Cup Semi Final
Millennium Stadium
Saturday 4th March 2006, 5.15pm
