Billy Banks - Half back
Wales RLHeritage No | 217 |
Date Of Birth | 11/01/1925 |
Place Of Birth | Maesteg |
Clubs | Salford Red Devils, Whitehaven, Huddersfield Giants, Wakefield Trinity, Leeds Rhinos, Maesteg |
Honours | Wales RL, Other Nationalities, Great Britain |
Invitational | Rest of the World, British Empire |
Billy Banks was Wales captain #22, leading the side just once, against France in December 1953. In addition to his 17 Welsh caps, he also played twice for Great Britain, both in non test matches against France. He was also selected for Great Britain squad for the 1954 World Cup in France, but didn't ever take to the field. Born and raised in Maesteg, he played for the town's top club (at the time) before signing for Leeds in 1946. However he only made 13 appearances there before moving to Wakefield Trinity in December of that year. After two seasons and 44 games there, another move came, this time to Huddersfield, which he spent the bulk of his career, making 281 appearances. Whilst at Fartown, he scored a try in Huddersfield's 15-10 victory over St. Helens in the 1952–53 Challenge Cup Final. He went on to have spells at Whitehaven and Salford before retiring in 1960. After his rugby league career ended, he became a taxi driver in Huddersfield. He died in August 1991 aged 66 in Huddersfield.
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