Bill Howard (rugby union)

William Gordon Howard (12 July 1908 – 10 February 1979) was an English international rugby union player.

Bill Howard
Full nameWilliam Gordon Howard
Date of birth(1908-07-12)12 July 1908
Date of death10 February 1979(1979-02-10) (aged 70)
SchoolBirkenhead School
Occupation(s)Bank official
Rugby union career
Position(s) Back row
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1938 British Lions 1 (0)

Educated at Birkenhead School, Howard was a forward used mainly in the back row and a capable goal-kicker. He spent his entire career with Old Birkonians, which he captained, and gained regular selection for Cheshire.[1]

Howard was overlooked by England selectors, in part by the fact he didn't play for a high-profile club, but did win a place on the British Lions squad for their 1938 tour to South Africa.[2] Over the course of the trip, Howard featured in 10 tour fixtures, including the first of the three Tests against the Springboks.[3]

In 1962–63, Howard served as president of Cheshire RFU.[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "New Captain Of Old Birkoninans". Liverpool Evening Express. 25 August 1932.
  2. ^ "W. G. Howard". The Guardian. 24 February 1938.
  3. ^ "#314 Bill Howard". British & Irish Lions.
  4. ^ "Death of Rugby ex-Lion". Liverpool Daily Post. 12 February 1979.