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Dick JonesWelsh rugby player
Date of Birth: 27.11.1879
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
Biography of Dick Jones
Dick Hughes Jones was born on November 27, 1879. He was a Welsh rugby player who played as a versatile midfielder for the rugby clubs 'Swansea' and 'Newport'. Jones spent 12 seasons with the 'Swansea' club.
Partnership with Dick Owen
Jones formed a formidable partnership with Dick Owen, creating one of the most destructive midfield duos in the 'Swansea' team. Known as the 'Dancing Dicks', Jones and Owen replaced the James brothers in the club and continued their partnership in the Welsh team. Welsh selectors often pair up midfielders, and when Lew Phillips of 'Newport' got injured in a match against Scotland, he and his partner Llewellyn Lloyd were eventually replaced by Jones and Owen. This powerful partnership lasted for fifteen games, breaking a new Welsh record for midfielders previously held by the unbeatable Jones and Edwards.
International Career
Jones made his debut against Ireland in 1901. Although he had a dip in form between 1902 and 1904, he regained his goal-scoring abilities and performed well in the match against Scotland. Unfortunately, Jones suffered an injury in a club game in 1905 and had to put his rugby career on hold until the end of 1907. He made a comeback in 1908 in the decisive 'Grand Slam' match against France, where he scored three winning points by carrying the ball to the opponent's goal line. Jones had already showcased such skill twice in his international career, in the matches against Scotland in 1904 and England in 1905. He had the opportunity to display his mastery once again in the match against Ireland, but the incompetent refereeing of the 1903-1904 season in Belfast banned the use of his signature move.
Injuries and Retirement
Jones and Owen both suffered after a fierce encounter between Wales and England in 1911, where Jones was constantly targeted by England's winger 'Cherry' Pillman. The Welsh team lost the match with a score of 11-6, mainly due to a mistake by Benjamin 'Ben' Gronow from 'Bridgend' in the first minute, allowing England to score. The fact that Welsh rugby players had lost to England for the first time since 1898 became a significant reason for selectors to reevaluate the team composition for upcoming matches.
While Owen was selected again, Jones suffered a serious injury that ultimately ended his career.
