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George A. Thompson

Stats
Appearances
14
Points
0
Tries
2
Conversions
0
Penalties
0
Drop goals
2
Goals from mark
0
Sin bins
0
Sendings off
0
Information
Position
Fullback, Centre
Died
25th December 1959
Originally a boxer he was Welsh A.B.A. Bantamweight Champion in 1923, turning professional in 1925, winning the Sporting Life Gold Belt Competition in 1928. A veteran of 29 professional fights, he went on a tour of Australia in 1933 during which he fought 6 times. After returning to the United Kingdom in 1934 he fought once more, in Newport, and then retired.

Thereafter turned to rugby playing for Pill Harriers and Cross Keys. He played for Newport 1929-30 and 1930-31.

After a later accident at Newport Docks, rendering him unable to work, The George "Tawpy" Thompson Benefit Match took place at Rodney Parade on 27th April 1950 with the following match programme note:-

"GEORGE "TAWPY" THOMPSON"

"Many Newport and Monmouthshire Sportsmen, and quite a number further afield will remember this grand Sportsman who distinguished himself in the Boxing Ring and the Rugby Field. He won the Amateur Bantamweight Championship of Wales, defeating that fine Amateur Archie Rule. He later turned professional and won the Crystal Palace Gold Belt open to any 9 stone Boxer in Gt. Britain, a competition which included such men as Dom Volante and Paddy Jones. "Tawpy" fought quite often at the old National Sporting Club, where he defeated several of the best British and Continental Boxers. Perhaps his greatest achievement was when he fought Ginger Jones, the Welsh Featherweight Champion. "Tawpy" won on points, boxing as a substitute with only ten hours' notice. As far back as 1923, he was defeated by the great Nel Tarleton only on a narrow points verdict."

"We consider him to-day as a Rugby Player. He started with Pill Harriers and later represented Newport at Centre-Threequarter and Full Back. He probably played his best Football for Cross Keys where for several seasons he was one of the most popular players. He played at Centre for the combined Cross Keys and Abertillery team against Benny Osier's South African "Springboks" side. This game will long be remembered - the "Sprineboks winning by 10 points to 9. He also played for the invincible Newport Docks side."

"So, this evening, two magnificent teams meet to play im aid of "Tawpy" Thompson. His accident at the Docks has left him unable to carry on his employment and it is hoped that this Match will provide some measure of comfort to him, not only financially but in the knowledge that he is held in so much esteem by the many friends who have come along to show their regard in a practical manner."

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