The Magnificent Marshall - The Story of Lion, Barbarian and England International Rugby Half Back Howard Marshall by Keith Gregson

Description

Keith Gregson explores the life of Howard Marshall, a Lion, Barbarian and England International rugby half back. This book is supported by ten or more photographs/illustrations and is thoroughly and carefully referenced.

Howard Marshall has been a person of interest to sports historians for a number of reasons:
* At the age of twenty he played for the Barbarians in the club’s inaugural season and scored the same club’s first try in Wales/outside of England. (1891)
* In the same year and at the same age and while playing for Blackheath, he went on what is regarded by many as the British Lions’ first tour (to South Africa) and played in numerous tour matches and one test. (1891)
* He made a single appearance for England v Wales soon after his 22nd birthday and scored a record-breaking hat trick in Cardiff. (1893)
* His career was ended then or shortly after due to injury. (1893)
* Despite studying at Cambridge for six years and, despite being considered the best half-back in England by many, he was never awarded a blue. (1888 -93)

While carrying out the research, Keith became convinced that this young man was pioneering in his rugby playing. If this is correct, the work ought to encourage discussion on the nature of back/team play in rugby in the years prior to ‘the Great Divide’ and the birth of what is now known as rugby league.