A RISCA rugby player is appealing for the return of his own piece of Newport RFC history.

Scott Mitchell, 32, is devastated after the black and amber jersey he wore when Newport beat Neath to lift the Welsh Cup in 2001 was stolen while he and his family slept.

The former Newport outside- half played alongside world superstars like South African Gary Teichmann, New Zealand-born Welsh national Shane Howarth, Fijian Simon Raiwalui and Canadian Rod Snow, when Newport won the cup and the club’s last major trophy before rugby went regional.

Mr Mitchell was a substitute in the match and his jersey, with his name on the back and the number 17, was stolen from his garage as he and his family slept on Tuesday night.

Mr Mitchell, of Penrhiw Road, said he put the framed jersey in his garage while decorating the house. He put the rubbish out at around 11pm on Tuesday before going to bed, and discovered the garage had been broken into when he awoke the next morning.

The father of one said he had no idea why anyone would want to steal the jersey.

“It’s irreplaceable and worthless to anyone else,”

he said. “It was one of 22 team shirts and is one of a kind,” he added.

“The glass frame was smashed to get it out,” said Mr Mitchell, who now plays for Risca RFC.

“It is horrible to think someone was in my property while my 16-month-old daughter, Ellen, and partner, Gemma, were asleep.”

Gwent Police confirmed that golf clubs, a drill, two mountain bikes and a jersey were stolen and are appealing for anyone with information to call 101.