Edwin Thomas Maynard
Edwin Thomas Maynard | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date |
| Died | November 20, 1961 (aged 83) |
| Other names | Edwin Thomas, "Beddoe" Thomas |
| Occupation(s) | Rugby union player, publican |
| Known for | Welsh international rugby union prop forward, Triple Crown winner 1909 |
Edwin Thomas Maynard (21 March 1878 – 20 November 1961), frequently referred to as Edwin Thomas or "Beddoe" Thomas, was a Welsh international rugby union prop forward who represented Newport RFC. He contributed to the Welsh side that captured the Triple Crown in 1909 and competed against all three prominent Southern Hemisphere teams—New Zealand, South Africa, and Australia—while playing for Newport.
Rugby career
Thomas started his rugby journey with the local club Pontnewydd before transferring to Newport in 1899. His debut for Wales came during the 1904 Home Nations Championship in a match against Scotland, where he was one of five players earning their first cap. The Welsh team dominated through powerful forward play to secure a win. Thomas also participated in the campaign’s concluding fixture, a defeat to Ireland that was largely blamed on controversial refereeing decisions.
Although omitted from the 1905 Championship squad, Thomas faced the Original All Blacks as part of Newport during their inaugural overseas tour. Despite a narrow loss, he delivered a notable performance alongside fellow forward Charlie Pritchard. He subsequently played in tightly contested matches against the touring South African team in 1906 and the Australian side in 1908, both ending in close defeats.
Thomas was recalled to the Welsh national team for the 1909 Home Nations Championship, stepping in for George Hayward in the clash with Scotland. He maintained his place through victories over France and Ireland, contributing significantly to Wales securing both the Championship and Triple Crown; notably, the triumph over France also completed a Grand Slam for Wales. His last international cap occurred in the opening fixture of the 1910 Five Nations against France, after which Newport teammate Harry Jarman took over his position.
Following his retirement from rugby, Thomas became the licensee of the Bridgend Inn located in Pontnewydd, a venue that had formerly served as Pontnewydd RFC’s headquarters. He remained closely connected to his old club and was awarded life membership in 1949.
International matches played
Wales
- 1909, 1910
- Ireland 1904, 1909
- 1904, 1909