St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future

PH279

Photograph

CIC

Tudor Davies

1895-1896

Photograph, B&W, mounted and titled. Llandeilo RFC 1st XV 1858-1896 season. Image is faded evenly. Some discolouration on right hand side. Two tears on top right and left of mount. Smaller tears missing segments) on lower left and right side. Dimensions: w29 3/4" x h24" (w75.8cm x h60.7cm)

This image of the Llandeilo 1st XV from 1895-96 is significant as it illustrates the strength in depth of the team at this time and also depicts several players who became Swansea RFC men. First to look at is Livingstone Davies (ie: J L Davies). He progressed to the Swansea side in 1897, playing in the pack until 1901. Also there is Christ Thomas, who made a brief appearance for Swansea in 1898 as a forward. Next there is Frank Fuller (ie: F J Fuller) who played at centre and wing from 1896 to 1899 for Swansea 1st XV and 2nd XV, as did his brother Wally (not in this photograph). Finally, the best known brothers in West Wales unless you include the Randalls of Llanelli, we have George Davies, the Swansea and Wales centre/full-back, a supremely talented player. One of seven rugby playing brothers from Llandeilo, three of those siblings are in this image: William Henry Davies (ie: W H Davies), Llew Davies and Jonny Davies, the latter sometimes known as Jack Davies when at Swansea. All four of these played for Swansea at one time or another during this period, George having the longest stay from 1896 to 1906. George's other rugby siblings (not in this image) were Thomas and Rees. Llandeilo's stated record for the 1895-96 season is impressive, with just two matches lost from 19, and no draws. Also note how few points were scored against them. It is little wonder that the Swansea club were grateful to have so many of the talented Llandeilo men to call on.

llandeilo rfc, 1895-1896, 1895-96, chris thomas, livingstone davies, william henry davies, frank fuller, george davies, llew davies, jonny davies,