5 October - Club meeting
Mon, Oct 5th 2020 at 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Keith Shepperd talked about Jimmy Peters, a Plymouth RFC player. He was the first black player to represent England in any team sport in 1906. The next black man to do so was Chris Oti 80 years later, again a rugby player.
The 1906 Springboks touring rugby team refused to play against Devon beause Jimmy was in the team to play them. There was a huge crowd at the ground to watch the game and it was only after presure from a diplomat that they agreed to play.
Before moving to Plymouth he had also experienced racial predujice in Bristol. People objected to him keeping a white man out of the Bristol team!
To avoid a similar problem when the Springboks were due to play England Jimmy the selectors dropped him from the team. However he did gain more international caps for England in 1907 and 1908.
In 1910 he lost 3 fingers in an accident in Devonport Dockyard where he was a carpenter. Due to receiving a testamonial payment he was barred from Rugby Union for being a professional and went north to play Rugby League.
At the outbreak of the Great Way he returned to his old job in the dockyard and remained in Plymouth for the rest of his life rasing a family.
'What We Do' Main Pages:
This is the Governing body responsible for the effective management of the club.
moreThe International Committee supports activities that support communities overseas. It also continues to foster our ties with the Rotary Club Du Brest.
moreThis committee is responsible for the recruitment of new members. Our contact number is 07881 742615.
moreCommittee responsible for raising monies for Foundation and also selecting recipients of Foundation assistance and recognition.
more