Category Archives: International Players
Rugby remembers the fallen of the First World War
Throughout the First World War rugby players from all nations and of all levels distinguished themselves by their bravery and conduct… Continue reading
Lest We Forget – Alexander James Ridland (New Zealand) 05/11/1918
Alexander James (Jimmy) Ridland died at Le Quesnoy in France on 5th November 1918 during the final week of the First World War. A rifleman in the 1st Battalion of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, he was the last of the 13 All Blacks who lost their lives in the war. Continue reading
Dave Gallaher: The Original All-Black
Gallaher’s 1905 side created a legacy that continues to this day. The words ‘All-Blacks’, as reported by British newspapers during the New Zealander’s stay, has instilled fear, admiration and respect ever since. Continue reading
Eyes Wide Open: The Demi Sakata Story
In 1968 Japan shocked the rugby world by defeating the Junior All-Blacks in Wellington. Japanese Wing Yoshihiro ‘Demi’ Sakata scored four of Japan’s six tries that day and would go on to demonstrate that the performance was no fluke. This … Continue reading
Flying Lions: Elfed Jones
Flying Lions: Elfed Jones
Continuing our series of biographies by David Smith, covering some of the British & Irish Lions who served with the RAF.
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Lest We Forget – Walter Riddle Sutherland (Scotland) 04/10/1918
More than 60 Scottish rugby internationals have come from the Hawick club in the borders of Scotland but few have been more beloved than Walter “Wattie” Sutherland who was killed by a stray enemy shell in the village of Hulluch in France on 4th October 1918 aged twenty seven. Continue reading
Lest We Forget – Frank Jacob Gard (USA) 29/09/1918
Frank Jacob Gard (1892-1918) was a flanker who captained Stanford University and the All-American team that played Australia (1912) and New Zealand (1913). He was a Lieutenant in the infantry who was killed in action at the Battle of Argonne Forest, France. Continue reading
