Dai Smith (rugby league)
David "Dai" Smith (birth unknown – death unknown) was a Welsh professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1900s. He played at representative level for the Other Nationalities, and at club level for Salford, as a fullback, i.e. number 1.[1][2] Smith appeared on the losing side in three Challenge Cup finals; in the 1899–1900, 1901–02 and 1902–03 seasons.
Personal information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Full name | David Smith | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Born | unknown | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Died | unknown | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Playing information | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Position | Fullback | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Source: [1] |
Playing career
International honours
Smith won a cap as a fullback for the Other Nationalities in their 9-3 victory over England at Central Park, Wigan on Tuesday 5 April 1904. This was the first ever international rugby league match.[3]
Challenge Cup Final appearances
Smith played fullback in Salford's 8-16 defeat by Swinton in the 1900 Challenge Cup Final during the 1899–1900 season at Fallowfield Stadium, Manchester, in front of a crowd of 17,864, and played fullback in the 0-25 defeat by Broughton Rangers in the 1902 Challenge Cup final, during the 1901–02 season at Athletic Grounds, Rochdale, in front of a crowd of 15,006, and played fullback the 0-7 defeat by Halifax in the 1903 Challenge Cup final, during the 1902–03 season at Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds, in front of a crowd of 32,507.
References
- "Statistics at rugbyleagueproject.org". rugbyleagueproject.org. 31 December 2017. Retrieved 1 January 2018.
- Williams, Graham; Lush, Peter; Farrar, David (2009). The British Rugby League Records Book. London League. pp. 108–114. ISBN 978-1-903659-49-6.
- Fagan, Sean. "The First International Rugby League Match". rl1895.com. Archived from the original on 1 April 2004. Retrieved 14 December 2014.