Debut 1889-90 and played 10 seasons - captain 1895-96, 1896-97 and 1898-99. During this time Newport played 285 official matches losing only 38. Arthur played around 230 of these matches and scored around 50 tries / 10 drop goals and some penalties. Played alongside Arthur Gould and in invincible season of 1891-92 played 27 of the 33 matches while Gould played 23. Magnificent all round player - primarily a forward but lean, rangy and skilful. Could pass, dribble, kick. Was fast and dropped goals as a forward while still being effective in the lineout and scrum. Played 13 times for Wales 1892-1897 as forward but also named as reserve centre - also played in this position for Newport. Member of first Welsh Triple Crown / Championship team of 1893. Welsh debut vs England (his place of birth) in January 1892 and played his last international match, also vs England, in January 1897, appropriately at Rodney Parade, Newport, scoring a try. From 1894 to 1899 he was club secretary. Died in April 1948 at Dinas Powis and his widow presented the Boucher Cup to the club in 1953 in memory of her husband and to be presented annually to the club's 'outstanding player of promise'.

o - o - o - o - O - O - O - o - o - o - o

The following was to appear in the match programme for Newport v Blackheath, cancelled in February 1947, but subsequently appeared in the match programme for Newport v Gloucester 22nd March 1947 in the series 'A Peep in my Diary':-

"No. 16. - A. W. BOUCHER"

"(The former Newport Captain and Welsh International Forward)."

"I have been asekd to write "A Peep in My Diary" on the occassion of the Blackheath match. This is a tall order for games played over half a century ago, and I never kept a football diary."

I can recall the Blackheath team coming to Newport on February 17th, 1883, when the only ground we had was the one now inside the track, with a wire rope around it. Newport had been very successful, and keen interest was aroused by the visit. In those days it was usual for players to go on the field and kick the ball about before the game started. I recall Dr. Leonard Stokes, the Blackheath skipper and a big man, coming on with the Newport skipper. Stokes was carrying a new ball, which he usually drop kicked and it went half the length of the field - a huge kick which made we boys exclaim "Oh!" (I was nearly 13 years old, hence the "Oh!"). It was a great game, and our chaps learnt a lot, although the result was only two tries to one against us."

"The other memory I recall of Dr. Stokes was in season 1898-9. Most of our old players had retired, and I was asked to continue for another season. Whilst in 1891-2 - T. C. Graham's unbeaten year - we called on only 19 players, during 1898-9 season we played 39 different lads. But they were great lads and included C. Ll. Lloyd, J. Hodges, R. T. Skrimshire, Geo. Boots, "The Bird," John Dunn, etc. We went to Blackheath on October 29th and won by 11 points to nil. I thought Blackheath fancied their chance, but as we came up the Pavilion steps after the game Dr. Stokes received us with the welcome, "Well done, boys, I don't think we shall ever beat you again." He was a great sportsman and player. The Rectory Field was usually in fine condition, and we always felt we could scamper along there faster than on most grounds."

"During the years that I played for Newport and Wales my grateful thanks were always due to that grand sportsman and friend, T. C. Graham, whose kind help and guidance made all my efforts for the old club so enjoyable. He was a great skipper and beloved by us all."

"This article was to have appeared in the cancelled Blackheath programme of Feb. 22nd."