St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

PH219

Photograph, Colour, Swansea RFC cap presented to J D Harries 1898. J D Harries' Grandson's name & address handwritten on reverse in blue biro. Also:" Hat belonging to David J Harris [sic] Born Swansea, came to USA about 1898-99". Dimensions: w5" x h3 1/2" (w12.2cm x h8.7cm). A letter (see: OT122) accompanied the photograph, which was sent to Swansea RFC by D J Harries' grandson in 1996.

Photograph

CIC

1897-1898

This colour photograph of a Swansea RFC players' cap was sent to the club by Mr Marc E Harris, grandson of David John Harris, to whom it was presented at the end of the 1897-98 season. The cap is now owned by the Harris family in USA. Marc Harris made enquiries to the Swansea club about his grandfather and parts of his history were therefore able to be pieced together. Dai Harris (known in his family as "flying Dai") was an outside-half who played mainly in the Swansea 2nd XV from 1896-97 to 1897-98. Harris emmigrated to Pittsburgh in the USA in September 1898, where he found employment as a steelworker. His earliest known match was on 6th March 1897 at St Helen's against Llanelli Moonlighters. He played a total of 18 matches for the 2nds and 3 matches for the 1st XV, all in 1898. He scored 4 tries for the 2nd XV. After an initial selection for the 1st Xv v Neath (at The Gnoll) on 8th January 1898, Dai Harris went on the Swansea tour to the West Country in March that year and palyed in both matches. He played at scrum-half alongside Welsh international Evan James against Devonport Albion (lost 0-8) and again in the match against Bristol (won 8-3). This was because of injury to Evan's brother David James.

PH219.jpg, PH219a.jpg