 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Birth name | Alan Rotherham | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 31 July 1862 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Coventry, Warwickshire[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of death | 30 August 1898 (aged 36) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of death | Marylebone | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Uppingham School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| University | Balliol College, Oxford | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notable relative(s) | Arthur Rotherham (cousin) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation(s) | Barrister | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Alan Rotherham (31 July 1862 – 30 August 1898) was a rugby union international who represented England from 1882 to 1887. He also captained his country.[1] Rotherham is best known for his part in revolutionising half-back play in rugby union, being the first player to demonstrate how a half-back could be the connecting link between the forwards and three-quarters,[2] and thereby paving the way for the passing game within the backs that is practised to the present day. His role in the development of rugby was recognised by the International Rugby Board in 2011 with induction to the IRB Hall of Fame under the theme of innovation and creativity.[3]
- ^ a b "Alan Rotherham". ESPNscrum. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
- ^ Arthur Budd writing in Marshall, Francis, Football; the Rugby union game, p123, (1892) (London Paris Melbourne, Cassell and company, limited)
- ^ "Hancock and Cardiff inducted to Hall of Fame" (Press release). International Rugby Board. 6 May 2011. Archived from the original on 9 May 2011. Retrieved 7 May 2011.