James Peters (rugby)

James Peters (7 August 1879 – 26 March 1954) was an English rugby union player and, later, a rugby league player. He is notable as the first black man to play rugby union for England. He was also known as "Darkie Peters".

Early life

Peters was born at 38 Queen Street in Salford, Greater Manchester, in Lancashire, England. James Peters's Jamaican father, George, had been mauled to death in a training cage by lions.[1] His mother, Hannah Gough originally from Shropshire, was unable to look after him so allowed him to join another circus troupe as a bareback horse rider. He was abandoned by the circus at age 11, having broken his arm, and found himself in Fegan's orphanage in Southwark and then Little Wanderers' Home in Greenwich, where he captained many of their sports teams. Greenwich Admirals Rugby League Club now celebrate Peters' life with an annual challenge game.

Peters trained in printing and carpentry; his trade brought him to Bristol, where he played for Bristol Rugby Club and represented the Somerset County team between 1900 and 1903. Peters then moved on to Plymouth in 1902, representing Plymouth RUFC and the Dorset county side until 1909.

England international

On 17 March 1906, Peters won his début cap for England against Scotland. However, The Yorkshire Post pointed out, "his selection is by no means popular on racial grounds". On his performance The Sportsman commented that the "dusky Plymouth man did many good things, especially in passing." He was to play a further game, against France, in which he scored a try.

In October through to December 1906 Peters became embroiled in controversy regarding the touring South African Springboks, as some members objected to him playing against them for Devon due to his colour, and he was not picked for the International game against South Africa, with a number of newspapers citing racial grounds.[1] He went on to be capped for England three more times in 1907 and 1908

In 1910, Peters lost three fingers in a dockyard accident, and although it was initially feared he could not play again he continued to play until 1912 when politics forced Peters out of rugby union.

Rugby league

Clubs in the south-west of England attempted to form a Western League (later Rugby League) and play competitive fixtures. He was suspended for accepting payment from Devon Rugby Club, which was illegal according to the codes of rugby union. Many players, including Peters, and also RFC Plymouth were suspended by the RFU. Plymouth Ground closed, signalling the end of Plymouth RFC. The rules of professionalism often owed more to politics than finance.

Peters, by then 34 and disillusioned with rugby union, was accepted into rugby league. Returning to his native North West of England, Peters played for Barrow in 1913, and then transferred to St. Helens in 1914 until his retirement from rugby.

References

  1. 1 2 Harding, John (26 June 2016). "Bristol Rugby". Sunday Independent (Plymouth). p. 59.
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