Geoffrey Rippon Rees-Jones (8 July 1914 — 13 September 2004) was a Welsh international rugby union player.[1]

Geoffrey Rees-Jones
Full nameGeoffrey Rippon Rees-Jones
Date of birth(1914-07-08)8 July 1914
Place of birthIpswich, Suffolk, England
Date of death13 September 2004(2004-09-13) (aged 90)
Place of deathStrang, Isle of Man
SchoolIpswich School
UniversityUniversity College, Oxford
Occupation(s)Schoolmaster
Rugby union career
Position(s) Wing
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1934–36 Wales 5 (6)

Rees-Jones was born to Welsh parents in Ipswich. He was educated at Ipswich School and set a long-standing school record for the 440 yards. A three-time blue, Rees-Jones read mathematics and physics at University College, Oxford.[2]

Between 1934 and 1936, Rees-Jones gained five Wales caps as a wing three-quarter and is most noted for his contribution to a win over the All Blacks at Cardiff in 1935. After trailing at half-time, Rees-Jones set up a try to Claude Davey with a cross-kick, then scored two tries himself, the last with two minutes remaining to secure a 13–12 victory.[3]

Rees-Jones, brigade major, got mentioned in dispatches serving with the Commandos during World War II and was part of a force which captured Diego-Suarez from the Vichy French on Madagascar.[2]

A teacher by profession, Rees-Jones was headmaster of Bembridge School from 1954 to 1958, after which he served as principal of King William's College on the Isle of Man until 1979, when he retired.[3]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Rugby great who became a fearless, inventive fighter". The Sydney Morning Herald. 16 October 2004.
  2. ^ a b "Geoffrey Rees Jones". The Times. 14 October 2004.
  3. ^ a b Evans, Howard (20 September 2004). "Geoffrey Rees-Jones". The Independent.
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