George Burton (rugby union)

George Burton was a rugby union international who represented England from 1879 to 1881.[1]

George Burton

Birth name	George William Burton
Date of birth	29 August 1855
Place of birth	Wakefield[1]
Date of death	17 September 1890
Place of death	West Hampstead (aged 35 years 19 days)
School	Winchester College
Rugby union career
Position(s) Forward Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) Blackheath F.C. () National team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1879-1881 England 6 (Goals:0; Tries:6; Conv:0; Pens:0; Drop:0)

Early life

George Burton was born on 29 August 1855 in Wakefield.[1] He attended Winchester College.[2]

Rugby union career

Burton made his international debut on 10 March 1879 at Edinburgh in the Scotland vs England match.[1] He was considered a very fast and "brilliant player" when the ball was in the open. A good friend of Arthur Budd, he was similar in style in that he was known to do little work in the scrummage itself, but contributed significantly to their club, Blackheath FC and England. He also captained Blacheath for a time. Also considered a fine dribbler, attributed to his education at Winchester, and a sure tackle.[2] Of the 6 matches he played for his national side he was on the winning side on 4 occasions.[1] He played his final match for England on 19 March 1881 at Edinburgh in the Scotland vs England match.[1]

References

1. George Burton Profile on scrum.com
2. Marshall, Francis, Football; the Rugby union game, p161, (1892) (London Paris Melbourne, Cassell and company, limited)