PH183

Object ID

PH183

Type

Photograph

Rights Holder

CIC

Provenance

Swansea RFC

Season

1900-1901

Description

Photograph, B&W, mounted on photographer's branded card. R M Owen, Swansea and Wales. Photograph by H A Chapman 235 High St. Swansea. Dimensions: w4 1/4" x h6 1/2" (w10.7cm x h16.3cm).

Info

This is a portrait photograph of Swansea scrum-half R M (Richard Morlais "Dicky" Owen on the occasion of his gaining his first cap for Wales on 16th March 1901 against Ireland at his home ground of St Helen's, Swansea. Dick Jones, his half-back partner with Swansea also made his international debut in what was Billy Bancroft's 33rd and final appearance for Wales. Owen did not have a great match, having injured his shoulder early on. But Wales won the match 10 - 9. Owen went on to gain 35 caps for Wales, a record at the time. Born on 17th November 1876, Owen was renowned both for his toughness, as a small player (he stood at 5' 4" - and 9 st 10 lbs at his heaviest) and for his shrewd tactical brain. He was known for his bullet-like pass and powerful reverse-pass. Dicky Owen was instrumental in Wales' famous win over New Zealand in 1905 and was when fit, Wales first choice at scrum-half during his career, often with Dick Jones at outside-half. His final international appearance was at Swansea in 1912 against Scotland when he captained Wales and was chaired off the pitch by supporters after the win. He retired from all rugby at the end of 1912. A boiler maker and later a publican by trade, Owen sadly took his own life in February 1932 aged 55.