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 Crabos, René (‘Le Crabe’) played for France Internationals: 17 : 1920 S- E- (1t) W- I+ US+ ; 1921 S+ W- E- (2p) I+ (4c) ; 1922 S= E= (1c) W- I- ; 1923 S- I+ ; 1924 S+ I- René Crabos was born on 7 February 1899, in St-Sever, Côte Basque Played as a Centre for: Racing Club de France, St-Sever War service: Army Remarks: He was the son of a St-Sever businessman. He played in his first rugby match when aged 13, and went on to play for the military team ‘Ascas’ of Lyon and Joint Military, near Paris. He played in the French Army team v the New Zealand Army at Twickenham in 1919. Captained the French Army team and France. “Crabos was to become an important man in French Rugby. An outstanding player in 17 internationals, he was the moving force of a talented, swift three-quarter line in which Got and Jauréguay were smooth runners on the wings, and in which Borde was usually Crabos’ centre partner.” He was Manager of the French tours to Argentina in 1949 and 1954 and the 1960 tour to Argentina and Chile. He died in 1964
Scroll down !! Scotland - France 1921, or how Rene Crabos led the first away victory of a French side in Great Britain http://rugby-pioneers.blogs.com/rugby/2008/02/index.html
Rene Crabos Full name: Rene Crabos Nickname(s): Le Genie du rugby / Napoleon Gender: Male Height: 5'6" (167 cm) Weight: 150 lbs (68 kg) Born: February 7, 1899 in Saint-Sever, Landes, France Died: June 17, 1964 in Saint-Sever, Landes, France Affiliations: Racing Club de France, Paris (FRA) Country: France Sport: Rugby Medals: 1 Silver (1 Total)
THE GRAND RENE CRABOS - SONNET TO CAPTAIN CRABOS That Foot-ball is a real sport A set of English invention In all cases it would be wrong To take a footaise! * In the stand regardless of the fate That subject to the fifteen or thirteen To fail or reach port On the turf where we play at home * Any team from South to North Having his captain on board Foreign and especially French * Applauding with transport From Crabos who holds the record The kick to the Landes! Arthur Poydenot Poydenot Arthur (1839 - 1926), born and died in Saint Sever is a Gascon poet best known under the name "Lou Pouyanot of Prous' name to Castle Prous Montgaillard where he resided. This sonnet was published Sunday, January 7, 1923 in New Chalosse, periodical published in St. Sever. At that time, the big three quarts center was captain of 15 in France. http://translate.google.com/transla...rabos+french+rugby&hl=en&client=safari&rls=en Heres a replica of his shirt !!!! http://www.sports-depoque.com/html_uk/maillot_france_1920.html
Rene Crabos was one of the Godfathers of French rugby ... here he is, in February 1922, shaking hands with King George at Twickenham... before drawing 11-11 to England (a shock... first time that England didn't defeat the Frogs... and 3 tries to 1 for the Frenchies) Let's just mention that Crabos had a great impact in defining and organizing the game of three-quarters in France, opening a golden era for French rugby (the 20s) when Equipe de France managed to be - at last... - both competitive and respected by its British and Celtic opponents... After WW2, Crabos became President of the Federation Française de Rugby. http://rugbypioneers.multiply.com/journal/photos/hi-res/8/www.dumpr.com?&=&page_start=260
