Monthly Archives: June 2016

1916: the first Rugby International in the Netherlands

Posted on June 23, 2016 by

On 5 November, an extraordinary wartime rugby ‘international’ will be replayed in the Netherlands town of Leeuwarden. A century ago in 1916, teams representing ‘Engeland’ and ‘Schotland’ played two exhibition rugby matches on foreign soil, to the delight of thousands … Continue reading →

Posted in Netherlands | 3 Comments

Lest We Forget – Tommy Thompson (South Africa) 20/06/1916

Posted on June 20, 2016 by

Among the five World War One casualties from the ranks of Springbok internationals was Gerald “Tommy” Thompson, universally known as Tommy, a balding terrier of a Western Province forward who won selection for the 1912-13 tour of the United Kingdom … Continue reading →

Posted in International Players, Lest We Forget, South Africa | Leave a comment

New Zealand Natives Tour, 1888-89

Posted on June 16, 2016 by

The first rugby tour of the British Isles by an overseas team was undertaken by the New Zealand Natives side in 1888-1889. Originally to be called the Maoris, the team were named the Natives instead. Although several members were indeed Maori, … Continue reading →

Posted in New Zealand | 2 Comments

Jimmy Peters’ Grave Restored

Posted on June 9, 2016 by

Jimmy Peters was a fast, elusive English half-back who rose to prominence firstly with Bristol and then Plymouth and Devon in the opening decade of the 20th Century. Abandoned as a child Peters was raised firstly at Fegan’s Orphanage, Southwalk … Continue reading →

Posted in England, International Players | 1 Comment