Player

Maldwyn James - Hooker

Cardiff
Back
Maldwyn James
Date Of Birth28/06/1913
Place Of BirthCilfynydd
EducationPontypridd Grammar School
ClubsCardiff, Cilfynydd, Mountain Ash, Pontypridd
HonoursWales
David Maldwyn James was born in Cilfynydd in 1913 and attended Pontypridd Boys Grammar School before working underground as a collier for the Albion Colliery, Cilfynydd.
During the early 1930s he played rugby for Cilfynydd and Pontypridd at Hooker and in 1937 - 38 he was selected for the Welsh international trials. Unfortunately, a severe injury to his right foot kept him out of the game until 1941.
In 1945 he joined Cardiff and although playing hooker was a prolific goal kicker contributing 145 points to the season. In three seasons at the Arms Park he made 85 appearances for the club. During his time with Cardiff he played in four 'Victory' internationals for Wales at the end of the Second World War. Caps were not awarded for these matches, but James did later win five caps for Wales. His debut was in the Wales v Australia match on 20th December 1947 at Cardiff Arms Park when Maldwyn James became the oldest player to make a debut for Wales - he was aged 34 years and five months.
When he retired from rugby he continued to be involved with the club, serving on the Committee in season 1949 - 50 and thereafter in many capacities until he retired in 1959 - 60. In 1972 – 3 he was re-appointed to the Committee and was Chairman in season 1975 - 76 before finally retiring in 1984.
Maldwyn James passed away in Aberdare in July 2003 at the age of 90.
SEASON P W D L TRY CON PEN DG PTS
1945-1946 36 29 2 5 1 53 12 0 145
1946-1947 21 17 2 2 1 9 6 0 39
1947-1948 27 27 0 0 0 2 0 0 4
TOTAL 84 73 4 7 2 64 18 0 188
TEAM P W D L PF PA PTS
Llandovery 20 19 0 1 684 307 90
Newport 21 18 0 3 701 390 90
Ebbw Vale 20 14 0 6 615 384 71
Cardiff 21 12 1 8 579 492 63
Pontypridd 21 10 1 10 470 501 53
Pontypool 19 11 0 8 480 455 51
Merthyr 18 10 0 8 458 470 49
Aberavon 20 8 0 12 462 556 46
Bridgend Ravens 20 8 0 12 423 539 41
Swansea 19 5 0 14 377 540 30
RGC 1404 18 5 0 13 354 489 28
Carmarthen Quins 19 4 0 15 416 541 28
Neath 20 3 0 17 330 685 19