14 replies to this topic

[JerryJ]

Black History month is approaching and we are trying to find who the first Black Rugby player was. I have read the many messages on here and hope that someone will be able to help, even suggestions will help. We would be grateful for any help given.

Jerry

[Eddie]

Do you mean worlwide or for Gloucester Jerry ?

[JerryJ]

Eddie, on 21 September 2009 - 04:34 PM, said:

Do you mean worlwide or for Gloucester Jerry ?

Sorry Eddie, it is all in the Title mate! In terms of Rugby, there is only Gloucester, you know that!

[Eddie]

Put it down to senility Jerry. We should be able to find that for you

[Eddie]

Anyone ?

[Glawster -Born]

Eddie, on 22 September 2009 - 12:43 PM, said:

Anyone ?

A quick call to Glos RFC and the lady that answered the Glos phone, said that she was looking through an old 1978 club brochure, only the other day and there was a black player pictured. But doesn't know if he was the first ever black player for the club.

She advises that you contact their Media Manager Duncan Wood. He will be able to find out all you need to know.

Email duncanwood@gloucesterrugby.co.uk or tel Main Switchboard / Ticket Sales: 0871 871 87 81

Club History
http://en.wikipedia....loucester_Rugby

G-B

[Eddie]

I have already emailed him

[JerryJ]

Eddie, on 22 September 2009 - 01:50 PM, said:

I have already emailed him

I have spoken to Gloucester RFC, they do not know, they are researching now, so it will take some time.

In the late seventies there was a Derek Morgan but he does not think that he was the first.

I have spoken to the RFU Museum, they have promised to check their records but are not sure they will find the answer.

May'be an article in the Citizen? I will think about that one...............

[Eddie]

I havent heard anything from Gloucester Rugby

[JerryJ]

Eddie, on 25 September 2009 - 10:22 AM, said:

I havent heard anything from Gloucester Rugby

GRFC have no idea, the have started a research project but that will take time. I spoke to the RFC National body and their Museum, no-one knows the answer.

I also rang the Citizen Sports desk, still waiting for a response.

[Joker]

Is it possible that it just isn't that big a deal who was the first black Gloucester RFC rugby player that it has to be recorded? Does everything have to be a milestone?

[Eddie]

It isnt a big deal in the general run of things, but Jerrry wanted it for the black history month.

[Eddie]

Quote

It was generally believed that the more venerable players always thought that the first coloured player to appear in a Gloucester XV was a West Indian by the name of FRANCIS in 1945. At the time they recalled he was serving in the Royal Air Force. In those days the media made no reference to colour only the Americans who had coloured personnel serving in their Armed Forces.

Duncan Wood
Media Manager

[JerryJ]

Nice one Eddie!

[JerryJ]

It is a big deal to some people, if that is OK.