Alfred Brice

Infobox Rugby biography
name = Alfred Brice


caption =
birthname = Alfred Brice
nickname = Bobby
birthyear =
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placeofbirth = Weare, Somerset [ [http://www.scrum.com/1200_1205.php?player=25841&includeref=dynamic Scrum.com player profiles] ] , England
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height = 5ft 10ins
weight = 14st
ru_position = Forward
ru_amateuryears =
ru_amateurclubs = Aberavon RFC Cardiff RFC
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ru_nationalteam = Wales
ru_nationalyears = 1899-1904
ru_nationalcaps = 18
ru_nationalpoints = (8)
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occupation = policemanSmith (1980), pg 115.]
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Alfred 'Bobby' Brice (September 21 1871–unknown) was a Welsh international rugby union forward who played club rugby for Aberavon and Cardiff. A three times Triple Crown winner, Brice was known for his tough and agressive tackling play.Thomas (1979), pg 25.]

Brice was one of several 'Valley forwards' who was chosen to represent his country at the turn of the century. Although he began his international career with Aberavon, a club he would captain from 1901 to 1903; he would later play for Cardiff.

International career

Williams was first capped for Wales in a home game at St Helens in 1899 against England; though it would be the final match of the tournament against Ireland in which Brice showed his worth to the Welsh squad. After Billy Bancroft was injured after being thrown into the crowd, the Welsh were a man down to a highly motivated Irish team. Brice tackled well and covered the lose ball in a match that was disturbed by constant pitch invasions. Although Wales lost by a solitary try it showed a strong defence that would serve Wales well as they entered their first 'Golden Era'. Brice played every match in the six consecutive home nations tournament.

Although Brice was normally known for keeping his cool under pressure, in the 1904 match against Ireland he was reported for calling the referee, a 'thundering idiot', though it is believed his actual language was worse than that on the report. The WFU demanded that Brice apologise to Findaly, the referee, but Brice refused stating that he never used the language.Smith (1980), pg 122.] Brice was suspended from the game for eight months and never played for Wales again.

"International matches played"Smith (1980), pg 464.]
* England 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904
* Ireland 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904
* Scotland 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902, 1903, 1904

Bibliography

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References