Percy Down
Birth name | Percy John Down | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Date of birth | 14 October 1883 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Place of birth | Clifton, England | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Date of death | 24 June 1954 | (aged 70)||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Place of death | Weston, England | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
School | Dr Kempe's School (Long Ashton) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Percy John Down (14 October 1883 – 24 June 1954)[1] was an English rugby union player, best known as a commanding forward in the Bristol pack in the first decade of the twentieth century. He spent the major part of his playing career at the club, and in later life became club chairman.
Rugby career
Down joined Bristol at the beginning of the 1904/05 season from the Redland club, and made his full début against Pontypridd RFC in December 1905. Down rapidly established himself in the first team and gained himself a reputation as a tough and committed player. His performances were widely praised and meant he soon earned selection for Somerset.
His efforts were also recognised at international level: Down was chosen as a member of the
Four days later Down, then Bristol's club captain, led a combined Bristol and
His last game for Bristol was against
After World War II Down was elected Bristol's vice-chairman for the 1945/46 season, but he took over the running of the club when Chairman W.J. Houlden died in office. He served as chairman until 1953/54 but died suddenly during the close season, shortly after being awarded life membership. A memorial fund was established in his name which provided for repairs and developments to the hall under the stand.
Down's son-in-law, Denzil Golledge, was Bristol captain for the 1950/51 season.
References
- ^ Percy Down international rugby profile Scrum.com
- ^ "Statistics at stats.allblacks.com". 31 December 2010. Retrieved 1 January 2011.
Biography
- Maule, Raymond (1992). The Complete Who's Who of England Rugby Union Internationals. Derby: Breedon Books. ISBN 1-873626-10-X.