St Helen’s ArchivePreserving the past for the future
Eight
Transcript:
This is part eight in the eleven part audio trail on David ‘Dai’ Samuel. Having previously explored a range of different items documenting the story around the 1890-91 season, as well as the lack of objects and appearances in the following 91-92 season where the Samuel’s were absent, this entry in the trail returns to the more expected items in the collection, and returns the Samuel’s to play in 1892-93.
This object is the second cap belonging to Dai Samuel, this his Welsh international cap. The cap, of course, is red with the Prince of Wales feathers on its front, and with silver tassels. Specifically, this cap, as showcased through the date on its brim, is from Dai’s earlier international appearance in 1891. It occupies its place here in the trail to truly highlight this important section of Dai Samuel’s career, the Triple Crown win in 1893.
The 1893 international game saw Dai Samuel, and three others of his Swansea team mates. in the Welsh side that took on Ireland; Frank Mills, William ‘Billy’ McCutcheon, and William ‘Billy’ Bancroft. The game was played on the 11th March 1893, once again in Stradey Park, Llanelli. Going into the game the Welsh side were unbeaten, and in front of a crowd of 20,000, they would take their first unbeaten championship, what was then called the ‘Triple Victory’ or ‘Triple Crown’ today.
Noticeably, Dai played without his brother Jack in this international unlike the first in 1891. Whilst we cannot be sure why Jack was not selected, Dai made the Welsh team due to the selectors feeling that Newport’s Harry Day was not in good form, thus Dai took his place. So, despite only 13 appearances for Swansea since his returning to play in December, Dai was back in a Welsh jersey for their biggest game so far – the Triple Victory. The historic win was sealed by a single try scored by Newport’s Arthur Gould. Each player received a ‘Triple Victory’ medal, an example of which is within the Cardiff Rugby Museum today. By season's end both Samuels would fully retire from rugby football.
Follow on to the next part of the trail for a small amount more on Dai’s final international appearance. Please don’t forget to click next.