George Bowen (rugby union)

For other people named George Bowen, see George Bowen (disambiguation).

George Einon Bowen (15 June 1863 – 19 January 1919) was a Welsh international rugby union half back who played club rugby for Swansea and Llanelli. Bowen won four caps for Wales and also played cricket for Glamorgan. Later in his life he became the Mayor of Kidwelly.

George Bowen

Birth name	George Einon Bowen
Date of birth	15 June 1863
Place of birth	Swansea, Wales
Date of death	19 January 1919(1919-01-19) (aged 55)
Place of death	Porthcawl, Wales
Rugby union career
Position(s) Half-back Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) Swansea RFC () – Llanelli RFC () International career Years Team Apps (Points) 1887-1888 Wales 4 (0)

Bowen was first selected for Wales on 26 February 1887 in a Championship game against Scotland at Raeburn Place, Edinburgh. Wales, under the captaincy of Bob Gould, were decimated by a free running Scotland who scored 12 tries against Wales without reply. Despite this terrible result, Bowen was selected again two weeks later to face Ireland, this time led out by Tom Clapp. On this occasion Wales won even though their Irish opposition scored more tries. Bowen played against both Ireland and Scotland again the following season. His final game was at Lansdowne Road in a match that saw eight Welsh internationals play their last game for Wales.

International matches played

Wales

• Ireland 1887, 1888
• Scotland 1887, 1888

Bibliography

• Parry-Jones, David (1999). Prince Gwyn, Gwyn Nicholls and the First Golden Era of Welsh Rugby. Bridgend: seren. ISBN 1-85411-262-7.
• Smith, David; Williams, Gareth (1980). Fields of Praise: The Official History of The Welsh Rugby Union. Cardiff: University of Wales Press. ISBN 0-7083-0766-3.