Frederic Stokes

Frederic Stokes was captain of Blackheath, one of London's first rugby clubs, when early in 1871 he accepted a challenge from Scotland to raise a 20-man side to take to Edinburgh to play in what was to be the first international. He captained the England team in their first three internationals (1871-73) and in 1874 became president of the fledgling RFU. He was described as a "brilliant forward, being always on the ball, and often making excellent runs …can also play at capital form at half-back, is a sure tackle and a first-rate drop or place-kick". A good golfer, he also played first-class cricket for Kent. Four of his brothers also played for Blackheath.
Martin Williamson