Billy Bancroft
William James Bancroft (2 March 1871 – 3 March 1959) was a Welsh international fullback, who played club rugby for Swansea, and a county cricketer for Glamorgan, for whom he was the first professional player in 1895.
Bancroft in his Wales rugby jersey | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Birth name | William James Bancroft | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 2 March 1871 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Swansea, Wales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of death | 3 March 1959 (aged 88) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of death | Swansea, Wales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 5 ft 5+1⁄2 in (166 cm) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 11 st (154 lb; 70 kg) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notable relative(s) | Jack Bancroft (brother) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation(s) | cobbler | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Bancroft was seen as one of the first true stars of Welsh rugby and played rugby with extreme self-confidence. He possessed great speed and was an excellent kicker of the ball, though some critics felt his defensive play was weak. His brother Jack also played rugby for Wales.
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