Families
Since the formation of the Club there has been a number of occasions when members of the same family (whether grandfather, father, son, cousin or uncle) have played for the Club sometimes in the same team. Here we list them and their relationships and the seasons in which they played.
BANKS. Jack and Ralph – Brothers. Ralph was a outstanding member of the club and carried out many roles during his lifetime at the Recreation Ground.He was a product of the Bath Schools Rugby team. He played for Bathampton RFC before joining the club where he was capped in the 1924-1925 season. Jack was a forward who played one game during the 1925 season against London Welsh.
BAILEY. Maurice Bailey (the nephew of Joe) played 3 games at Full Back for the Club between 1950 and 1956. He also played many games for Bath United before returning to Old Sulians RFC.
BELSON. Frederick and Barclay – Brothers. Frederick Charles Belson, born 13th February 1874 in Ramsgate, played rugby for Bath, Somerset, Bristol,Clifton and Abergavenny and was the first British Isles Tourist to represent the club. He was also a member of the Anglo Australian Tour party in 1899, a precursor of the British Lions. Although he was not capped for England, in this historical context, Bath can fairly consider him to be the Club’s first ‘British Lion.’ F C Belson had been a Bath player from 1894-95 through to the 1898-99 season. He had left Clifton College at age 16 and played for the Clifton club. He had also reinforced the Bristol side on a number of occasions. He appeared on a Bristol team list on 21st October 1893 and during the 1896-97 season. In his early days, he worked for the National Provincial Bank, which had brought him to the area. The original family home was Portsmouth, where his father was a sea captain. After working in a Bristol branch, the Bank moved him to Abergavenny in September 1896 and he appeared in the Abergavenny XV versus Penarth that same season. By February 1897, he was back playing for Bath Frederick played in 80 matches for the club and was capped by England.. BARCLAY. played 41 games for the club between 1894- 1896.
BIGGS- Brothers Tragic news was conveyed to Mr. and Mrs. John Biggs that a second son, Lieut.-Commander Geoffrey Nepean Biggs, had been lost at sea, aged 31. A Chevalier of the Legion of Honour, he had been in some thrilling adventures from the onset of War.His brother Captain Norman Biggs had been killed, by a poison arrow, in Nigeria, some eight years previously.
Norman, Selwyn Cecil and Geoffrey were all Bath players; Norman and Selwyn being capped for Wales. Geoffrey is listed as having played 1 game in season 1904-5 and having been selected for a Christmas 1906 game, but the match was cancelled, due to frosty weather. Most of his rugby was with United Services where he played in the company of at least eight internationals. A wing three-quarter, he also played for Somerset against Devon in 1907. Another brother, Edgar, played regularly for Richmond. Yet another son, John, quit his medical practice early in the war to serve in the R.A.M.C. in Egypt
BIRD.-Brothers :Steve Chris and Paul three members of the Bird family played for the Bath club during the late seventies and early eighties, Steve the eldest, Christopher, the second eldest and Paul the youngest. Steve played for the club between 1976 and 1982 and made two appearances for the 1st XV. He also played for the United or Spartans as a Fly Half over a period of six years. Due to a shoulder injury Steve retired from the Bath Club and returned to his junior club Avon R.F. C , where he served the club as a player and a Chairman for 14 years. He has written the history of Avon R.F.C. Chris was educated at St Brendan’s College, Cardiff University, and subsequently Exeter University to undertake teacher training. He Joined Bath in 1976 from local club Avon. Chris played for the 1st XV at centre, making 99 appearances. He also represented Somerset. He was unfortunately forced to give up playing for the club after three seasons due to his teaching commitments. Chris was for a time the Headmaster of All Hallows Junior School. Paul Joined Bath in 1979 from Avon R.F.C where he captained a successful Colts team. Subsequently he played for the United or Spartans along with playing one 1st XV game as a scrum half. He returned to Avon where he captained the club and continued to play for fourteen years. His brother-in-law Nigel Williams joined Bath in 1976 from Avon and spent a couple of seasons at the Bath Club playing Full Back or Fly half. Nigel was educated at King Edwards School, . On leaving Bath Nigel Joined Combe Down where he played for a number of seasons before eventually he became Chairman of the club.
BURT -Brothers LF. and LV Both brothers played between 1920-1923, L.V. Burt played 60 games for the 1st XV.
BLANCHARD. Brothers: Harry, Tom and Fred – Tom and Fred played in local rugby before 1883 but in order to get a game had often to travel to Bath or farther afield. Walking was generally the accepted means of getting to matches as it was much later that the bicycle became a common mode of transport for all classes. Tom Blanchard was the first Avonvale player to represent Bath and with his brother played a large part in the founding of the local village club Avonvale RFC. The earliest record of Blanchards on the rugby scene was in a game between Widcombe Institute and Weston School in March 1882 when Tom turned out as a forward for Widcombe. Tom’s playing talent developed first as a fly-half and then as a three-quarter. His skill as a player earned him recognition with Bath who he represented on many occasions in the 1880s. In a match on the 7th February 1885 he played as fly-half with his brother Fred on the wing. The Blanchard family can be traced back to medieval times in Bathford and appear in the stained-glass window of the church depicting a Crusader and his wife bearing the family name. Tom and Fred Blanchard were great-uncles of Ron Blanchard, President of Avonvale RFC. (Source: Bath Chronicle and Avonvale R.F.C. Centenary history)
BLACKETT Brothers. Peter Blackett was a product of Culverhay School who joined the Bath Youth team. Peter then joined the senior club and played 87 games on the wing between 1983-1996. Peter also played many games for Bath United and was a dedicated member of the club who always gave 100% t His brother Andy joined the Bath club from Old Culverhaysians. Andy was a prop forward who played one game for the 1st XV in 1986.
CHILCOTT. Jack and Gareth – Great Nephew (see Player Profiles for information on Gareth)
A quote from the Bath Newspaper referred to the Bath v Moutain Ash match on 28th December indicated that skipper Ford was unable to play due to to the pressures of the Christmas rush at the Post office. His placed was filled by Jack Chillcott , an Ogmore Vale forward.
Jack Chillcott was to become the Great Uncle of British Lion England and Bath stalwart Gareth. Jack later turned professional and toured with Great Britain Rugby league side. Jack’s brother Jim (Gareth’s Grandfather) had ten children amongst them a daughter Iris whose Grandson Nathan Thomas (a cousin of Gareth) who played for Bridgend, Bath, and Wales.
COATES . Brothers; Norman and Vincent- Bridgwater born Norman. H. Coates played at Centre for Bath making his debut on 24th December 1910 and continuing to play through to 1920 , He captained the club from 1911 to 1913 and eventually played 62 games for the 1st XV. His Brother Vincent H S Middleton Coates was educated at Monkton Combe School Bath, and went on to Cambridge University. He joined the Bath Club playing 54 games. Vincent captained the club and the Somerset XV. He played for England winning five caps.
CONSIDINE. Brothers: H.W.H and S.G.U – They played in same team in 1922. Stanley was educated at St Christopher’s School Bath, also Blundells School Tiverton, where he learnt the game of Rugby. He played 151 games for Bath between 1919-1925 and also played for Somerset in the 1924 – 1925 season, He won one cap for England. Being an accomplished cricketer he played for Somerset in the County Championship for a number of years. H .W.H Considine played for Bath between 1923-1925. Records show he played a limited number of games.
CUNNINGHAME. Brothers: A.K,and T.H – Little known, but both brothers played between 1880 1884, A.K Cunningham was Captain of the club during the 1883-1884 season.
DONOVAN Brothers: John and Steve.
John Donovan played 253 games for Bath F.C playing at Centre between 1957-1971, John’s younger brother Steve played one game for Bath 1st XV against Northampton in 1975.
DOLMAN. Bert and David – Father and Son. Bert and David both played at Full Back. Bert played two games for Bath 1st XV in 1937. John (a nephew of Bert) played 77 1st XV games between 1957-1960.He also played for the 1st XV during 1964-1967, in 34 games, the highlight of his rugby career was being picked for the Western Counties XV against Australia 1967 which the Counties won 9pts to nil.
EDWARDS. Brothers Leonard – Liewellyn Both played season 1900-1901.
EDWARDS. Brothers T and H
Little is known about the Edwards brothers save that records show they both played in the same Bath team on 4 January 1896 against Penarth.
FRANKCOM Father and Son. see Player Profiles.
GAY. William (Bill) , Allen, and David – Father and sons.
William (Bill) played for the Bath club between 1936-1938 as a forward. He joined the Bath club from Bristol Rugby Club. A sergeant in the Bath City Police Force,
Allen Gay who played 105 games for Bath between 1965-1971 mostly at Full Back. Allen was a Committee member for many years and became President of the Club between 2009-2011.
David Gay younger brother of Allen, played for Bath at a very young age, David was capped by England under 19’s, and went on to gain four full England caps during 1968 season at a time when England had what might be described as a “youth policy”.He was probably a better player in later seasons but was not considered by England again despite some outstanding performances for the club and Harlequins RFC who he joined whilst at Law School in Guildford. David also played for Somerset in the County Championship.
GUNNING. Brothers: – Tom and Ray Gunning both played 1st XV rugby during the season 1973-1974. They also played a number of games for the United and Spartans XV’s.
HANCOCK. Bill and Geoff – Father and son. Bill Hancock was a great player for Bath who played on the wing 317 times between 1926-1938; Geoff played mostly United and Bath A’s rugby, Geoff played once for the 1st XV. and also spent many years carrying out roles on the Committee. He was President of the Club in the “Triple Season”
HATHERILL . Brothers Albert (Abe) and Louis. Lou)
Abe was a Back who played for Bath between 1906-1919. He played 194 games and was captain of the Club in the season 1910-1911.
Lou was a Forward who played for the club between 1906-1912. He played a total of 51 games. During the First World War he was reported missing and/or/injured but was later reported killed in action in June 1917.
HELPS J AND G HELPS. 1882/1883
J. Played as a Half-Back making 50 appearances. Was Captain of the Club in the seasons 1885/6/7.
HICKS.– Tom and Tony – Father and son.
Tom was an excellent clubman for many years who made his playing debut in 1937 and went on to play until 1949 making 105 appearances mainly as a fly-half or centre .
Tony, a winger played 102 games for Bath, between 1973 -1975, Tony like his father was a member of Walcot Old Boys RFC for many years. Tom went on to undertake an enormous amount of work for the Bath Old Players Association, as well as committing a great deal of time to the Walcot O.B.R.F.C.
HALL. Peter and Jon – Father and son – Both were Back Row Forwards.
Peter joined Bath in 1952-1953 season and played 33 1st XV games. He was a member of the Management Committee for many years and became President of the Club between 2001-2003. Peter became the historian of the club and was a co-author of two books on the history of the Bath Club.-” Before the Lemons” and “After the Lemons”.
Jon had a outstanding rugby career playing for Bath. Jon started playing rugby at Oldfield School and went on to play for local club Oldfield Old Boys in the Back Row. Jon Joined the Bath club in 1981 and played 278 games for the club.. At an early age he captained England Colts and gained 21 full caps for England as well as playing for the Barbarians, Jon retired from the game in 1995. In his prime he was probably the best blind side back row forward in world rugby.
HOPE. Brothers. Phillip and Archibald
Phillip was a back and played 107 games for Bath between 1919 and1922. The brothers were of Canadian descent and both returned to Canada; Archibald in 1919 and Phillip sometime in 1922 having been Captain of the club in the seasons 1913-14, 18-19, 19-20, 20,21and 21-22.
BATH FOOTBALLER’S FAREWELL
WISHING ‘BON VOYAGE TO ARCHIE HOPE
Mr Archibald Hope was sailing from Liverpool to return to his home in Vancouver. His imminent departure was commemorated with a smoking concert held at the Red House, New Bond Street. A full musical programme was arranged, with the presence of the “Elite Entertainers.”
In response to a toast to his health, Mr. Hope spoke of his fondness for Rugby: “explaining that he had removed from Saskatchewan to Vancouver, a distance of 2,000 miles, because he read in the papers that Vancouver possessed nine Rugby clubs. But when he got there the war began, and out of the nine teams exactly four men were left, all the others going overseas.” Along with his brother Philip, he had been most happy at Bath and he would greatly miss playing on the Rec. The assembled company wished their friend ‘Godspeed,’ “and hoped he would be a support to the old game abroad. An upright Englishman did credit wherever he was.” (Loud cheers)
“The departing player and the Chairman were enthusiastically toasted and ‘For he’s a jolly good fellow,’ and ‘Auld Lang Syne,’ brought a joyous and fraternal evening to a close.”
Adapted from the BATH CHRONICLE reporting on a memorable ‘send-off’ for their popular Captain and loyal servant, Philip Palmer Hope- Monday 6th March 1919 at the Red House.
HICKS Father and Son
JENKINS Brothers Brian, David, Peter and Alan – –
Brian, David and Peter on occasions played in the same teams between 1969- 1980. The Jenkins’ family were sons of a Welshman who was born in Treorchy- a Rugby fanatic. It was certain that his sons would play Rugby. Unfortunately he did not live to see any of his sons play as he died at a young age leaving his wife to bring up their five sons. Alan the youngest was six weeks old at the time. All the boys attended Westhill School in Bath and as luck would have it came into contact with a great Welsh sports master – Fred Leese. He was almost a surrogate father keeping an eye on all the boys during their youth, . Leaving school the boys played for Old Westhillians RFC later Combe Down RFC and finally the Bath Rugby Club. Brian played Second Row during the 70’s for Bath and Somerset. His brothers followed over a period of time, David playing Full Back and Peter Fly Half. David’s career was ended due to a bad injury playing against Harlequins, but he ran the line for many years thereafter. Peter had a short career playing only a few games in the 1st XV. All three played against Leicester on the Rec when Bath won the game 42pts to 0pts. Alan played a few games for the 1st XV, but returned to the Combe Down club as did Brian after 11 years at the club.
KNIGHT. Paul, Steve and Jamie – Brothers
Terry Knight, the father of Paul, Steve and Jamie, was Team Manager of the Bath Youth XV’s for 12 years and was a very popular member of the Club.His sons all played in the Bath Youth XV’s.
Paul the oldest brother Joined Avon R.F.C from Bath Youth section. Paul played hooker for Avon as he did when he returned to the Bath club. Paul played twice for the 1st XV during the 1981-1982 season.
Steve progressed from the Youth section playing 86 games for the 1st XV at Scrum Half plus many games for Bath United between 1985-1993.
Jamie was also a scrum half who to played for England under 19’s. During this game he sustained a serious injury which restricted his playing career though he went on to play one game for Bath 1st XV during 1993.and is currently playing for the Combe Down club.
LAVIS. F,and H – Brothers
F Lavis Played 1885
LONG. W. V. F and Dr J – Brothers.
W.F LONG Played played, 88 games. Dr J Long played 101 games.
Both played for the Club for many years from 1890. W.V.F.on the right wing ,Dr Jim on the other wing. In 1896 their Centres were Titch Fry and and Dan Mac Tier and the back line was possibly one of the best the club has ever had.
W.V.F . served the club faithfully for many years and was a generous supporter of several other clubs. He was one of the founders of the Old Players ,Association and took great interest in it’s activities. Dr Jim also served the club as Hon. Surgeon for 10 years between1904-1914.
LILLEY. Chris and Mark .Father and Son (both prop forwards)
Chris joined Bath from Oldfield Old Boys R.F.C during the 1979-1980 season Chris played 115 times for the 1st XV and many games for the United. Chris is very enthusiastic about rugby and the people who play. Since retiring has coached rugby at many levels and continues to coach his local side Oldfield RFC as well as in the club’s Academy.
Mark joined Bath Academy and went on to play for Somerset under 18’s and U 20’s, and England under 18’s, Mark played for the 1st XV between 2009-2011. and subsequently joined Bristol Rugby. He also has taken up coaching with his father.
LYE. Bill and Robbie – Brothers – 1960-1980
William (Bill) Robbie Lye.were both major players within the Bath Club. Bill the older brother joined the club in 1965 from Walcot Old Boys RFC and played for many years.Robbie, his younger brother, joined Bath in 1970 (also from Walcot Old Boys RFC where he played at scrum-half) and continued playing for the club until 1986 making 441 appearances mainly in the back-row mostly at no 8. He captained the club in 1980. Robbie in his later career went on to captain and play a major role in developing young players for Bath Spartans for many years.
MATTHEWS. Norman, Leslie and Victor – Brothers (see Player Profiles)
MONAHAN. John and Jamie – Brothers (See Player Profiles)
MONEYPENNY. CB.and C.J.B. Brothers.
The brothers played together in the 1888 and 1890 seasons, Team sheets show that C.J.B carried on playing until the 1891 season before going to Cambridge University. He was club Secretary for the 1888-1889 season. In January 1889 C.J.B was selected to play for Somerset against the New Zealand Maoris, and although heavily beaten C.J.B had great satisfaction of running two great tries.
NOKE G H. and E Noke Brothers played together in 1882. Also E Noke was Hon Secretary, G H Noke was a Committee member.
O,DONAHUE L.A.O and L.O – Brothers Played between 1881-1886.
PADFIELD. G, and T – Brothers – Great Uncles of the Jenkins’ family
PARFITT. Peter, Alan and Robert – Brothers – 1960-1980
Peter was a formidable prop forward who was regarded by most as the best of his time. Had Bath been a more fashionable club at the time Peter would certainly have played for England though he was an England Reserve on a number of occasions. He was educated at Oldfield School in Bath which developed many young rugby players. Peter made his debut in 1958 and played 422 games for the club. He played for Somerset 23 times, . Alan played for the club at a young age after leaving Oldfield School. He played alongside his brother Peter for several years and made two thirds of a formidable Front Row as a hooker. Alan started playing in 1967 and played until 1978 playing 330 games for the club. He also played for Somerset. Robert played as Fly Half and was another product of Oldfield School. Robert was a very talented player but only played a handful of games. Sadly his rugby talent could not compete with a passion for pigeon racing!
PARHAM. – N.and T. Brothers
Nowlson Parham born 1868 Educated at Old Merchant Taylors. made his debut for Bath in 1883.
Brother Tommy Parham born in Honiton in1869 played Half Back during 1886-1894, playing 92 games for the 1st XV his final appearance being in 1894. Tommy was Hon Treasurer 1896-1897 1897-1898 jointly with W Stockwell.
The Parham brothers played in the same Bath 1st XV teams during the 1884 season.
PERRY Brendan and Matthew Father and Son.
Brendan played 227 games for the club between 1960-1974. He played most of his rugby at Fly Half and held many positions within the club.He was a Management Committee member for many years, Chairman 1989-1990 and President 1995-1997. He is one of a small number of Life Members of the Club. Brendan played for Bristol RFC after leaving the Bath club. Brendan was an England Schoolboy sprint champion
Matt was educated at Millfield School. He joined Bath in 1995 and went on to play 184 games for Bath at Full Back. Before joining Bath he played for the England U18’s and England Colts. Matt was capped 36 times at Full Back for England and 6 times for the British Lions. He retired from playing following injury in December 2006 and now acts, on occasions, as a TV pundit.
PLUMMER Ray and sons Mark and Keith. The Plummer’s are a Cornish family with strong links to Penryn and its rugby club. Ray a Scrum Half, played for the club between 1953-1954. Mark and Keith both played for the club between 1984- 1986 Mark played on the wing whilst Keith played Scrum Half. Both brothers played in the same team on 17th April 1985 against Clifton.
Ray’s brother is Ken Plummer who played for Bristol, Cornwall and England as a winger.
PURCELL. Brothers
RICHARDSON. Harry Joe and Reg. Brothers
Harry, Joe, Reginald were the sons of Alfred Richardson who was a member of the Management Committee . All three sons on occasions played together in the 1st XV in the 1919/1920 season. Reg, who was a winger, retired from playing shortly after, owing to ill health . He was a First World War veteran. Joe and Harry played on for many years, both gaining County Caps, Harry a Centre and Joe a Forward. Joe and Harry were renowned for their tackling, Alf Richardson was a prominent member of The Bath Anglers Association, Sydney Gardens Bowls Club and a active member of the Bath scouts Association.
ROBERTS – John, Jonathan – Father and son
John Roberts and his family were dedicated to Bath Rugby. John played 354 games as a Prop Forward, His first game was in 1948 and his last game in 1958, John went to hold many positions in the Club over a long period of time and was Chairman for a number of years. He also served as Fixture Secretary and was President of the Club between 1985-1987. John had dedicated most of his life to Bath Rugby as did his wife Stella who spent many years working within the club organising the dinners for players.She was assisted by her Daughter. Jonathan also played for the club as a Back Row Forward, making his debut in 1976, Jon like his father was a very good club man who played for the United and Spartans over a long period of time.
RUDDICK . Jack and George -Brothers
Jack Ruddick played 112 games for the Bath 1st XV between 1893-1900.
George played 134 games for the Bath 1st XV and Captained the Club in the 1901-1902 season. George played in the forwards alongside his brother; apparently they were two very powerful men.
RUSSELL. Brothers Fred, Bill, Jim, Ted, and Tom. Brothers.
All played for the Club. During the 1913 Season on two following Saturdays in April, Tom, Jim and Ted all played in the same XV. On the 19th April Fred, Jim and Ted, played in the same Bath XV.
SANTS. E. and Walter Brothers.
The Sants brothers were a very much part of the beginning of the club. Walter a forward, played for the Club between 1868-1883 and whilst playing held positions on the Management Committee. He was Hon.Secretary between 1865-1882 and Hon.Treasurer 1868-1882 and 1889 -1901.His involvement with the Club lasted for 60 years. E Sants was a three quarter who played regularly between 1881-1883.
SHEPPARD W.H. and J. Brothers
Born in Bath in 1900 W H Sheppard he was an old boy of King Edward’s School, Bath where he obtained his “colours” for soccer before the school took to rugby football. W.H.Sheppard’s interests were more for rugby, and he played several games while in the Army stationed in Plymouth. On returning to civilian life he very soon gained a place in the Bath ‘A,’ XV’s and did so well that after only eight games he was promoted to the 1st XV, Playing for Bath in 1919, he gained his Bath cap in the season 1919-20 He was selected for Somerset gaining his County cap in the season 1921-22. He played approx. 20 games for Somerset, and was in the side which won the County Championship in 1922-23. During the season of 1923-24 he led the Somerset pack, and was also selected for the Combined West of England team v South Wales. At the end of the 1924-25 season W.H. announced his retirement although he played a few games for the Bath Old Players.
His Brother Sargent Jack Sheppard played with his brother in the same team during the 1924-1925 season. Little more is known about his background or playing career.
SPENCER Neil and Will Father And Son.
STORRAR. B.E, and J – Brothers
SWABY. S, L and .M – Brothers
The Swaby brothers played together during the 1885 season, L.M Swaby is recorded as “Doctor” and played until 1888. His brother S Swaby only played until 1886.
THOMAS Nathan- see CHILCOTT
Timmins. T. B. and J.T. – Brothers
Both brothers were Solicitors in the City who learnt their rugby at the Bath College. Both played for the College against the Bath Club in November 1895. The next season T.B. ,a powerful forward, Joined the Bath club but for some reason moved to the Bristol club the following year 1897-1898. He rejoined Bath 1898-1899 and first played for Somerset in 1900. Was Captain of the club 1903-1906. and served on the Management Committee 1906-1913. Once again joined the Management Committee in 1922 and took an active part in the club affairs for many more years . A City Councillor for over 20 years he was also a keen Territorial becoming Second in Command of the 4th Somersets during the First World War.
J.T joined the Club in 1896-97 and played regularly until 1909 . Reportedly a brilliant Centre three-quarter, quick to sense an opening and always feeding his wing at the right moment. Played for Somerset regularly until 1909 captaining the side against the NZ Maori XV..
C TRASK and J E TRASK Brothers
Played together in 1885.
VATCHELL.T and K VACHELL Brothers
Vincent. B.H, G.G and H.T – Brothers
West T.W -H.W. Brothers
WEISS Ken and Rodney Father and Son Rodney played first team rugby during the 1967 season.
Weston. Bryon and Cliff – Brothers
The Weston brothers were both born in Bath and educated at the City of Bath Boys School. Cliff the elder brother made his debut for Bath in 1952 when he played Fly half. Cliff also played for many years with his local club, Old Sulians RFC. In all Cliff played fives seasons for the Bath Club making 116 appearances.
Bryon also played Fly half for the Club making his debut in 1954. He captained the England Schools XV. and went on to St Peters Hall ,Oxford University gaining a Rugby Blue in 1957 .
Bryon played 29 games for the Bath Club.
Williams. J.G and T.E.- Brothers.
Woodward. Albert and George
Albert seemed to only have played in one season -1920-1921 but played 26 appearances. George played from 1920-1927 going on to play 179 games for the 1st XV. George was a player who scored a great many points during his playing career at Bath. He also played for Somerset.
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