A.J.Gould, 1897

I recently posted some story and pictures about Arthur Gould from Newport and Wales, and his contribution to the game of rugby-as-we-know-it-now...

I just came across this nice picture published in Black & White newspaper on April 24, 1897 (photo by R.Thiele).

Some time ago, I was researching some facts about amateur and professionnal rugby (no kidding, it sounds so serious... !) and found out that A.J. Gould - though an amateur- was rewarded... with a cottage ! Actually, this newspaper tells the whole story :

"Mr Arthur Gould, the famous Rugby football player, duly received his testimonial a few days since. Despite the idle opposition of the International Board, Mr Gould's thousands of admirers subscribed £700 between them, and with it purchased a comfortable little house for one of the greatest amateur footballers who ever donned a jersey."

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