Player Profile

Elwyn Gwyther started out in rugby union during war-time with Penclawdd and then Llanelli, and was selected for Wales to face France on 22 December 1945. However he wasn't awarded a cap at the time because the match was not given test status. This was rectified in 2013 when the Welsh Rugby Union awarded Presidents Caps to those who played in this match and some other matches. He later became a dual code international, scoring a try on his debut for both Wales and Great Britain. He was also selected to tour Australia in 1950 with Great Britain, Turning professional with Belle Vue Rangers in 1946, he helped them to reach the Lancashire Cup Final in 1947. He eventually made over 200 appearances for Rangers and was given a benefit match in the 1951–52 season. At the start of the 1952-53 season, Leeds paid £2,000 for Gwyther to join them and he won the last of his 16 Welsh caps at the beginning of the 1953–54 season. He rejoined Belle Vue Rangers for the beginning of the 1954–55 season, but only made three more appearances for the club. After retiring, he moved back to Wales, where he died on March 21st 1996.