Rugby Internationals Killed In The Second World War

On 3 September 1939, Great Britain declared war on Nazi Germany, thus beginning the Second World War. Within days, thousands of young men across the country volunteered to join the armed forces, including many of the country's top rugby players.

Over the course of the war, hundreds of rugby internationals from England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland, and France lost their lives in action. These men came from all walks of life, but they all shared a love of rugby and a desire to serve their country.

Final Scrum: Rugby Internationals Killed in the Second World War

by Ryan Deiss

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Some of the most famous rugby internationals who were killed in the war include:

• Teddy Wakelam (England): A dual-code international who played rugby union for England and rugby league for Great Britain. He was killed in action in 1940.
• Wilf Wooller (England): A hooker who played for England and the British Lions. He was killed in action in 1944.
• Vivian Jenkins (Wales): A centre who played for Wales and the British Lions. He was killed in action in 1942.
• Arthur Gould (Wales): A fly-half who played for Wales and the British Lions. He was killed in action in 1943.
• David McLean (Scotland): A wing who played for Scotland and the British Lions. He was killed in action in 1944.

These are just a few of the many rugby internationals who lost their lives in the Second World War. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten.

The Impact of the War on Rugby

The Second World War had a profound impact on rugby union. Many of the game's top players were killed or injured, and the war disrupted the playing of the game. In England, the Rugby Football Union (RFU) suspended all competitions for the duration of the war. In Scotland, the Scottish Rugby Union (SRU) continued to play some matches, but the quality of the competition was much reduced.

After the war, rugby union gradually began to recover. The RFU and SRU resumed their competitions, and new players emerged to take the place of those who had been lost. However, it took many years for the game to fully recover from the impact of the war.

The Legacy of the Rugby Internationals Killed in the War

The rugby internationals who died in the Second World War are remembered as heroes. They were brave young men who gave their lives for their country. Their sacrifice should never be forgotten.

In 1948, the RFU established the Teddy Wakelam Memorial Fund to help young rugby players who have been injured or disabled. The fund is a fitting tribute to Wakelam and the other rugby internationals who lost their lives in the war.

The legacy of the rugby internationals who died in the Second World War lives on today. They are remembered as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Additional Information

For more information on the rugby internationals who died in the Second World War, please see the following resources:

• The Teddy Wakelam Memorial Fund
• Scottish Rugby Remembers Those Who Fell in Second World War
• Rugby Internationals Who Died in the Second World War

Image Attributions

The following images are used in this article:

• Teddy Wakelam by the Rugby Football Union
• Wilf Wooller by the Scottish Rugby Union
• Vivian Jenkins by Rugby World
• Arthur Gould by Rugby World
• David McLean by Rugby World

Final Scrum: Rugby Internationals Killed in the Second World War

by Ryan Deiss

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22778 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	284 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE