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1891 Home Nations Championship
The 1891 Home Nations Championship was the ninth series of the rugby union Home Nations Championship. Six matches were played between 3 January and 7 March. It was contested by England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. The 1891 Championship was won by Scotland, the fourth time the country had topped the table, but the first time Scotland had taken the Triple Crown title. Rule changes this year, included the introduction of penalty goals, as although penalty kicks were introduced in 1882 no goal attempts could be made from one until this season. The two umpires were renamed as touch-judges and their powers were reduced to mark the spot where the ball left the field of play; a status that remained until additional powers were reinstated in 1982.Godwin (1984), pg 27. Players could now pick up a dead ball, and the dead ball line was set at a maximum of 25 yards. Table Results Scoring system The matches for this season were decided on points scored. A try was worth one poin ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |
Billy Bancroft
William James Bancroft (2 March 1871 – 3 March 1959) was a Welsh international fullback, who played club rugby for Swansea, and a county cricketer for Glamorgan, for whom he was the first professional player in 1895. Bancroft was seen as one of the first true stars of Welsh rugby and played rugby with extreme self-confidence.Thomas (1979), p. 15. He possessed great speed and was an excellent kicker of the ball,Smith (1980), p. 82. though some critics felt his defensive play was weak. His brother Jack also played rugby for Wales. Club career in rugby Bancroft made his first club appearance for Swansea on 5 October 1889. He would play for Swansea for his entire career and is considered one of the greatest fullbacks to have played for the club. He was Swansea's top points scorer in twelve of his fourteen years with the team. International rugby career Bancroft was first capped on 1 February 1890 against Scotland as a replacement for the injured Tommy England.Smith (1980), p. ... [...More Info...] [...Related Items...] OR: [Wikipedia] [Google] [Baidu] |