In the world of international rugby, particularly for Wales, achieving consistency and longevity in one’s career is no small feat. T. Pearson, a talented Welsh three-quarter, has managed to do just that, with his twelve appearances spread over an astonishing twelve-year period.
Pearson’s first appearance for Wales was against England in 1891, while his last was against Ireland in Limerick in 1893. It is rare for a player to be selected for an international team after an interval of six seasons, followed by a fairly long retirement from the game. Nevertheless, Pearson’s career has proven to be uniquely resilient.
Bancroft, another prominent Welsh player, had an uninterrupted international life spanning from 1890 to 1901. Impressively, he played in every match for Wales for twelve consecutive seasons – an unparalleled record of consistency and good fortune in terms of avoiding injuries.
A.J. Gould, initially playing as a full-back and then as a three, first represented Wales in 1885 but did not achieve the remarkable sequence or length of service demonstrated by Bancroft.
These notable examples of international rugby success highlight the values of dedication, passion, and resilience in the sport. T. Pearson’s impressive career serves as an inspiration for aspiring rugby players who aim to achieve both long-lasting and remarkable contributions to the sport on an international level.
Caption (Image Above) Swansea RFC 1st Xv 1902-03.
Back row : D Davies, AE Freear, DJ Thomas, Sam Rice (touch judge),
Credit: Swansea RFC
FE Perkins(secretary), JA Smith, E Morgan, H Ball.
Middle row : Sid Bevan, Geo Davies (vice captain), FJ Gordon (captain),
Dan Rees, F Scrine, W Joseph.
Front row : W Cole, WJ Bancroft, R Owen, R Jones, WJ Parker, WJ Trew.
Morning Leader – Wednesday 31 December 1902
