Les Anthony


Leslie "Les" Anthony was a Welsh rugby union, and professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1940s and 1950s. He played representative level rugby union for Wales, and at club level for Cwmllynfell RFC and Neath RFC, as a prop, i.e. number 1 or 3, and club level rugby league for Oldham.

Background

Les Anthony was born in Rhiwfawr, Wales. he was worked as a collier and sheet metal worker, and he died aged 88. Up to his death, he had been the third oldest living Wales player, behind; Jack Matthews and Handel Greville, and the oldest living Wales forward, in front of; Emlyn Davies.

Playing career

International honours

Les Anthony won caps for Wales while at Neath RFC in 1938 against England, Scotland, and France.

Notable tour matches

Les Anthony played prop, alongside hooker; Cliff Williams and prop; Les Davies, in Neath RFC's 15-22 defeat by the New Zealand Army Touring XV at The Gnoll, Neath during 1945.

Club career

Les Anthony played in Neath RFC's victory in the Welsh Club Championship during the 1946–47 season, captained by Cliff Williams, this was Neath RFC's first post-World War II victory, and their sixth of ten overall, he made his début for Oldham on Saturday 28 August 1948, and he played his last match for Oldham during the 1953–54 season.