James Webb (rugby player)

James Webb (rugby player) was a rugby player named James Webb. He played in Wales at the turn of the 20th century.

James lived for 50 years, but his life can pretty much be summed up by one rugby game against a team from New Zealand.


The ball doesn't know, but there's a mob quietly approaching.
Photo: Frederic Humbert via Flickr (CC)

Tom Arthur

Tom Arthur was a Welsh rugby player known for his aggressive play. He played in the 1920s and 1930s, a time when men were men and Welsh rugby players.

In one game, Tom Arthur was involved in a particularly memorable on-field skirmish. I will simply let Wikipedia do the telling, because it's so entertaining. At times I thought I was reading a Mad Lib:

"The trouble started when Welsh full back Tommy Scourfield cleared a loose ball to touch only for the chasing French player to run over and punch him. Arthur and fellow second row, Aberavon's Ned Jenkins had to pack down in the front row due to the oversized French props, and after one scrummage, Welsh hooker Hubert Day was kicked in the mouth by a French lock and required nine stitches. Arthur retaliated on the French pack, but mistook one of the props for the offending lock. This escalated into running fist fights throughout the match, and when Wales left the pitch, they were pelted by rubber cushions from the crowd."

Sometimes I love Wikipedia.


Caps! Caps for sale! Fifty cents a cap!
Photo: Frederic Humbert via Flickr (CC)