Will Joseph

Will Joseph
Full name William Joseph
Place of birth Morriston,[1] Wales
Place of death Swansea[2] Wales
Height 6 ft 1 in[3]
Weight 13 st
Notable relative(s) Dicky Owen (cousin)
Occupation(s) tin-plate worker[3]
Rugby union career
Playing career
Position Prop
Amateur clubs
Years Club / team
?-1899
1899-?
1906
Morriston RFC
Swansea RFC
Glamorgan County
National team(s)
Years Club / team Caps (points)
1902-1906 Wales Wales 16 (0)

Will Joseph (May 10, 1877 – 1959) was a Welsh international rugby union player. He was a member of the winning Welsh team who beat the 1905 touring All Blacks. He played club rugby for Swansea and county rugby for Glamorgan.

Joseph was seen as the outstanding forward of the early 20th century Swansea team, during an excellent period in the 'All Whites' history. He was recognised as a strong player in tight scrums and due to his height, excellent in line outs.[3][4][5]

International career

Wales

Joseph made his debut for Wales against England at Blackheath in 1902 at the age of 23.[3] Joseph played in three Triple Crown winning campaigns, but his greatest moment on the field was when he played against the touring 1905 All Blacks. Joseph's international career fell apart in 1906 after a match against the touring Springboks. Although having played with great merit in an earlier match against South Africa with county side Glamorgan; in which he scored a try,[6] Joseph was dropped after the international game. The Welsh pack in that game was dreadful and the selection committee decided to change the entire Welsh pack, regardless of individual play.[7] Joseph's Wales career ended after 16 caps at the age of 28.

1905 Wales squad, Joseph, back row, third from right

International games played[8]

Bibliography

References

  1. WRU player profile
  2. Swansea RFC Personnel Profile
  3. 1 2 3 4 Thomas (1979), pg 37.
  4. Smith (1980), pg 136.
  5. Parry-Jones (1999), pg 143.
  6. Parry-Jones (1999), pg 183.
  7. Thomas (1979), pg 38.
  8. Smith (1980), pg 468.
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