St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

PH113

Photograph

CIC

Mrs R Williams

1907-1908

Photograph on postcard, B&W, Wales team v Scotland 1908. Players named at base. Dimensions: w5 1/2" x h3 1/2" (w13.75cm x h8.7cm)

This Wales v Scotland Photograph was the possession of Swansea and Wales forward George Hayward who played in this match at St Helen's on 1st February 1908. Although in poor condition the image is slightly unusual in that it offers an alternative to the better known Welsh team photograph taken that day with the pavilion and crowd in the background. This image too may have been in front of the pavilion but underneath the roof and against the wall. But the actual location is unconfirmed and the players stand in different order to those in the better-known image. Wales won a close match, tries by J L Williams and Swansea's Billy Trew giving them a 6 - 5 win. They gained the Triple Crown following the win over Ireland. They would go on to win the first Grand Slam in international rugby by defeating France. Australia were added to the vanquished this season (Dec. 1908). The personnel in this image are: Back Row (L to R): J A Brown (Cardiff), J Watts (Llanelli), George Hayward (Swansea), W O'Neil (Cardiff), A F Harding (London Welsh), W H Dowell (Pontypool). 2nd Row (L to R): Reggie Gibbs (Cardiff), Bert Winfield (Cardiff), George Travers - capt. (Pill Harriers), Rhys Gabe (Cardiff), J L Williams (Cardiff). Front Row (L to R): tommy Vile (Newport), Percy Bush (Cardiff), Billy Trew (Swansea). The image was kindly gifted by Mrs R Williams, descendant of George Hayward.

1907-1908, 1907-08, wales, triple crown, grand slam, george hayward,