Ambrose Baker

Ambrose Baker
Born	1897-07-07
Died	1976-11-24
Occupation(s)	Rugby union and rugby league footballer
Known for	Dual-code international rugby player for Wales

Ambrose Baker (7 July 1897 – 24 November 1976) was a distinguished rugby athlete who excelled in both rugby union and rugby league. In rugby union, he represented Neath as a forward, while in rugby league, he played the same position for Oldham. Baker achieved five international appearances for the Wales rugby union side and later earned two caps for the Wales rugby league team between 1925 and 1928. Additionally, he represented the Other Nationalities in 1924.

Neath

Baker first gained prominence as a rugby union player with Neath, a club based in South Wales.

Leicester

In 1923, he made two appearances playing for Leicester.

Oldham

Baker switched to professional rugby league in early 1924 when he signed with Oldham, making his debut on 19 January against Barrow. During his time at Oldham, he was selected to play for the Other Nationalities in their 23–17 victory over England at Headingley on 15 October 1924. He also represented Wales in rugby league twice, first facing England on 7 February 1925 and earning his final cap in January 1928.

Challenge Cup Final appearances

As a forward, Baker participated in Oldham’s 4–21 defeat by Wigan in the 1924 Challenge Cup Final held at Athletic Grounds, Rochdale on 12 April 1924 during the 1923–24 season. While with Oldham, he experienced both success and setbacks in subsequent Challenge Cup Finals: winning the 1925 Challenge Cup Final 16–3 against Hull Kingston Rovers at Headingley; falling short in the 1926 Challenge Cup Final with a 3–9 loss to Swinton at Athletic Grounds; and securing a commanding 26–7 victory over Swinton in the 1927 Challenge Cup Final at Central Park, Wigan.

Wales (rugby union)

During his tenure at Neath, Baker earned his first cap for Wales in the concluding match of the 1921 Five Nations Championship against Ireland, which Wales won 6–0. He was not selected for the national team in 1922 but returned to play every game of the 1923 Championship. Although Wales had claimed the title in 1922, England and Scotland were dominant in 1923. Wales suffered narrow defeats to both England and Scotland but secured a win over France at Swansea on 24 February, where Baker scored his sole international points by crossing for one of Wales’ three tries. His last appearance in rugby union internationals was marked by a close 5–4 loss to Ireland.

• Participation:
  • 1921
  • All matches of 1923 Championship

Wales (rugby league)

• Caps earned:
  • 1925
  • 1928

Other Nationalities (rugby league)

• Appearance:
  • 1924

References

• England/Wales birth and death records

External links

• (archived) Player statistics at orl-heritagetrust.org.uk
• Representative honours