This is one of a series of posts to mark the international Rugby players who served in, and survived, The Great War. If anyone has further information on the men concerned, I’d be most grateful if it could be added to the thread. Gareth Beynon, Benjamin (‘Benny’) played for Wales Internationals: 2: 1920 E+ S- Benjamin Beynon was born on 14 March 1894 Played as a Fly-Half for: Manselton, Swansea, 38th (Welsh) Division Profession: Docker/painter and decorator War service: Probably Private, Welsh Regiment, 38th (Welsh) Division Remarks: Played for Swansea RFC from 1913-14, then switched to Association football with Swansea Town (now Swansea City) AFC in 1914-15, following the cessation of rugby in 1914. Rejoined Swansea RFC after the war but when he was dropped by Wales in 1920, he immediately rejoined Swansea Town and accepted professional terms. The WRU withheld his cap as he was declared a professional and he never played rugby union again. In September 1922, he joined the Rugby League (Oldham RLFC) and won a Challenge Cup medal in 1925. He was included in the 38th (Welsh) Division team which toured Wales in March 1919. Others originally selected for this tour were Welsh internationals W H Evans (Llwynypia) and J M Clem Lewis (Cardiff) [South Wales Daily News December 1918]. Beynon was reported demobbed and expected to play for Swansea RFC in the SWDN of 10 March 1919. He played for the Division (no rank indicated) against Wales (SWDN 19 April 1919). TJ Nicholas, WT Havard and Albert Jenkins also played for the 38th that day. He died on 21 May 1969 in Swansea
Beynon, Ben Born : 14 March 1894, Swansea Died : 21 May 1969, Guildford Position : Stand-off Major Teams : Swansea, Wales. Wales Caps : 2. Points : 0. Benjamin Beynon played as stand-off on 2 occasions for Wales against England and Scotland in 1920. The Welsh Union withheld his cap. He had never played rugby league but his ‘crime’ was to have accepted professional terms for Swansea Town (soccer) in 1920. Ben made his debut for Swansea in 1913 and played soccer for Swansea Town in 1914/15 after the outbreak of War. He became the 1st ‘All White’ to play rugby union (Swansea), rugby league (Oldham) and soccer (Swansea) at a senior level.
