Will Joseph

Will Joseph (May 10, 1877 – 1959) was a Welsh international rugby union player. He was a member of the winning Welsh team who beat the 1905 touring All Blacks. He played club rugby for Swansea and county rugby for Glamorgan.

Will Joseph

Birth name	William Joseph
Place of birth	Morriston,[1] Wales
Place of death	Swansea[2] Wales
Height	6 ft 1 in (185 cm)[3]
Weight	13 st (182 lb; 83 kg)
Notable relative(s)	Dicky Owen (cousin)
Occupation(s)	tin-plate worker[3]
Rugby union career
Position(s) Prop Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) ?-1899 1899-? 1906 Morriston RFC Swansea RFC Glamorgan County () National team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1902-1906 Wales 16 (0)

Joseph was seen as the outstanding forward of the early 20th century Swansea team, during an excellent period in the 'All Whites' history. He was recognised as a strong player in tight scrums and due to his height, excellent in line outs.[3][4][5]

International career

Wales

Joseph made his debut for Wales against England at Blackheath in 1902 at the age of 23.[3] Joseph played in three Triple Crown winning campaigns, but his greatest moment on the field was when he played against the touring 1905 All Blacks. Joseph's international career fell apart in 1906 after a match against the touring Springboks. Although having played with great merit in an earlier match against South Africa with county side Glamorgan; in which he scored a try,[6] Joseph was dropped after the international game. The Welsh pack in that game was dreadful and the selection committee decided to change the entire Welsh pack, regardless of individual play.[7] Joseph's Wales career ended after 16 caps at the age of 28.

1905 Wales squad, Joseph, back row, third from right

International games played[8]

• England 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906
• Ireland 1902, 1903, 1905, 1906
• New Zealand 1905
• Scotland 1902, 1903, 1904, 1905, 1906
• South Africa 1906

Bibliography

• Parry-Jones, David (1999). Prince Gwyn, Gwyn Nicholls and the First Golden Era of Welsh Rugby. Bridgend: seren. ISBN 1-85411-262-7.
• Thomas, Wayne (1979). A Century of Welsh Rugby Players. Ansells Ltd.
• Smith, David; Williams, Gareth (1980). Fields of Praise: The Official History of The Welsh Rugby Union. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. ISBN 0-7083-0766-3.

References

1. WRU player profile
2. Swansea RFC Personnel Profile
3. Thomas (1979), pg 37.
4. Smith (1980), pg 136.
5. Parry-Jones (1999), pg 143.
6. Parry-Jones (1999), pg 183.
7. Thomas (1979), pg 38.
8. Smith (1980), pg 468.