Percy Down
| Full name | Percy John Down | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 14 October 1883 | ||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Clifton, England | ||||||||||||
| Date of death | 24 June 1954 (aged 70) | ||||||||||||
| Place of death | Weston, England | ||||||||||||
| School | Dr Kempe's School (Long Ashton) | ||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||
| Playing career | |||||||||||||
| Position | Lock | ||||||||||||
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| Amateur clubs | |||
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| Years | Club / team | ||
| National team(s) | |||
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| Years | Club / team | Caps | (points) |
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1908 1909 |
Anglo-Welsh England |
3 1 |
(0) (0) |
Percy John Down (14 October 1883 – 24 June 1954) was an English rugby union player, best known as a commanding forward in the Bristol pack in the first decade of the twentieth century. He spent the major part of his playing career at the club, and in later life became club Chairman.
Down joined Bristol at the beginning of the 1904/05 season from the Redland club, and made his full début against Pontypridd RFC in December 1905. Down rapidly established himself in the first team and gained himself a reputation as a tough and committed player. His performances were widely praised and meant he soon earned selection for Somerset.
His efforts were also recognised at international level: Down was chosen as a member of the 1908 British Lions tour to New Zealand and Australia, played three matches in New Zealand but fell overboard as the boat left for Australia. He was rescued by New Zealand players George A. Gillett and Arthur 'Bolla' Francis, who kept him afloat until a rope was lowered from the ship upon which Down was about to sail. In addition Down played once for England's national side, against Australia in 1909; the first meeting between the two nations. Although England lost 9 – 3, Down played with distinction but was never capped again.
Four days later Down, then Bristol's club captain, led a combined Bristol and Clifton R.F.C. XV against the Australian national side at Bristol's County Ground. The tourists won 11 – 3 in one of the finest games of the tour.
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