St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

Item

PH264

Object ID

PH264

Type

Photograph

Rights Holder

Samuel family

Provenance

Chris Samuel

Season

1890s

Description

Photograph, B&W, mounted on photographer's branded card. David 'Dai' Samuel, Swansea and Wales. Photograph by B Thomas 208 High St. Aberdare. Dimensions: w2 1/2" x h4" (w6.31cm x h10.19cm).

Info

This portrait of Swansea and Wales forward Dai Samuel was taken some time in the 1890s, when Dai was in his twenties. Dai and his brother Jack (see PH265) were Manselton Rangers players who progressed to the Swansea RFC team. Jack made his debut in 1888-89 and Dai in 1889-90. The brothers invariably played together in the Swansea pack and were part of a very successful Swansea side who were back to back Welsh club Champions or "Welsh Premiers" in the parlance of the day in 1889-90 and 1890-91 under the captaincy of Welsh cap Billy Bowen. Dai and his brother were capped by wales in 1891 at Stradey Park, Llanelli in the 6 - 4 win over Ireland. Dai Samuel scored the Welsh try, converted by Billy Bancroft, who also dropped a goal from near the half-way line. Jack was not reselected for a second cap but Dai's international career resumed in 1893 when he was again selected for the last international of the season. This was again against Ireland and once more played at Stradey Park. Wales won the encounter by a try to nil and in so doing won their first ever Triple Crown. Dai had the distinction of being one of the players presented with a Triple Crown medal, though this was known as a 'Triple Victory' medal at the time. Dai and his brother Jack were also capped by Glamorgan County in 1893 toward the end of their Swansea careers. They both retired from all rugby at the end of 1892-93, Jack and Dai having played 79 and 64 matches respectively for Swansea. Dai's Triple Crown jersey and caps are in the St Helen's Archive collection. This photograph was kindly made available for digital copying by the Samuel family.