Peter Davies (rugby)
Peter J. Davies | |
|---|---|
| Born | 30 December 1925 Newport, Wales |
| Died | 18 February 2014 (aged 88) Newport, Wales |
| Occupation(s) | Rugby union and rugby league footballer, rugby union administrator |
| Years active | 1940s–1950s |
| Known for | Playing rugby union for Ebbw Bridge Junction RFC and Newport RFC; playing rugby league for Leigh; chairman and president of Pill Harriers RFC |
Peter J. Davies (30 December 1925 – 18 February 2014) was a Welsh athlete who played both rugby union and professional rugby league during the 1940s and 1950s, later taking on administrative responsibilities within rugby union. His rugby union tenure included stints with Ebbw Bridge Junction RFC and Newport RFC, where he served as vice-captain under Roy Burnett, mainly occupying the back row roles of flanker or number eight. Davies made the switch to rugby league with Leigh, where he contributed as a goal-kicking player. After retiring from playing, he assumed leadership positions, including chairman and subsequently president of Pill Harriers RFC.
Background
Born in Newport, Wales, Peter Davies initially worked as a docker before becoming a licensed victualler alongside his wife Gwen, managing the Brown Cow pub in Warrington and later The Railway Hotel pub in Leigh. He passed away at the age of 88 in Newport, with his funeral service conducted at St Stephen's Church in Pillgwenlly on 10 March 2014.
Club career
Davies ended his rugby union playing days with a match for Newport RFC against Newbridge RFC on 25 April 1953 and made his rugby league debut for Leigh in October 1953.
Genealogical information
In the second quarter of 1954, Peter J. Davies married Gwendoline "Gwen" (née Davies) in Newport. The couple had four children: Peter Davies, who played as a rugby union prop for Newport RFC throughout the 1970s and 1980s; Karen V. Davies; William Glyn Davies, who was born with Down Syndrome; and Julie Davies. Peter J. Davies was related to rugby through his uncle, George Travers, and was cousin to William 'Bunner' Travers.