Billy Bancroft
Bancroft in his Wales rugby jersey | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | William James Bancroft 2 March 1871 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Died | 3 March 1959 (aged 88) Swansea, Wales | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 5 ft 5+1⁄2 in (166 cm) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 11 st (154 lb; 70 kg) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notable relative | Jack Bancroft (brother) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation | cobbler | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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William James Bancroft (2 March 1871 – 3 March 1959) was a Welsh international fullback, who played club rugby for Swansea, and a county cricketer for Glamorgan, for whom he was the first professional player in 1895.
Bancroft was seen as one of the first true stars of Welsh rugby and played rugby with extreme self-confidence. He possessed great speed and was an excellent kicker of the ball, though some critics felt his defensive play was weak. His brother Jack also played rugby for Wales.