Walter Martin (rugby player)

Infobox Rugby biography
name = Walter Martin


caption =
birthname = Walter John Martin [ [http://www.blackandambers.co.uk/Personnel.aspx?pr=106949 Newport Rugby Club player profiles] ]
nickname =
birthyear = 1883
birthmonth = 05
birthday = 14
placeofbirth = Woodford, England
deathyear = 1933
deathmonth = 04
deathday = 30
placeofdeath = Newport, Wales
height =
weight =
ru_position = Fly-half
ru_amateuryears = 1904-1921
ru_amateurclubs = Newport RFC
ru_amclubcaps =
ru_amclubpoints =
ru_amupdate =
ru_nationalteam = flagicon|WAL Wales [ [http://www.wru.co.uk/12750_14256.php?player=26138&includeref=dynamic Welsh Rugby Union player profiles] ]
ru_nationalyears = 1912-1919
ru_nationalcaps = 3
ru_nationalpoints = (0)
ru_ntupdate =
ru_coachclubs =
ru_coachyears =
ru_coachupdate =
other =
occupation =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
school = Newport High School
university = University College, Cardiff
url =

Walter Martin (1883–1933) was a Welsh international rugby union player. He played club rugby predominantly for Newport, captaining the side and played county rugby for Monmouthshire. While playing for Newport, Martin faced the three major Southern Hemisphere teams, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

Club career

Martin joined Newport Rugby Club in 1904, and during his career would captain the club during one of the most successful era's for the club. At Newport he formed an incredibly successful partership with Tommy Vile, and they would face the touring New Zealanders, South Africans and Australians together.

International career

Martin made his debut for Wales against Ireland at the Balmoral Showgrounds on 9 March, 1912 as part of the Five Nations Championship. In an inexperienced team, Martin was one of seven new caps, under the captaincy of Jack Bancroft, and although leading at half time the team lost 12-5. Despite the loss, Martin was back for the next match, and this time finished on the winning side. Martin did not play for Wales the next season, but was back after the First World War, in a game against the New Zealand Army, which is now recognised as an international game. Martins three caps were all played in partnership with Newport team mate, Tommy Vile.

International games played

WalesSmith (1980), pg 469.]
* 1912
* 1912
* New Zealand Army 1919

Military service and later life

In World War I Martin served in the South Wales Borderers and was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal for his actions during the war. On his return he rejoined Newport and worked for Great Western Railway at Newport Docks, but in 1933 he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Martin, who had suffered from depression, hung himself while receiving treatment as a long term patient at St Woolos Hospital on 30 April, 1933.

Bibliography

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References