Fred Parfitt

Frederick Charles Parfitt (12 August 1869 – 20 March 1953) was a Welsh international rugby union scrum-half who played club rugby for Newport, regional rugby for Somerset and was capped nine times for Wales. On retiring from rugby union, Parfitt switched to bowls and also represented Wales in this sport.

Rugby career Parfitt first played rugby for local club team Pontnewydd, before switching to first class club, Newport. At Newport, Parfitt was partnered at scrum-half with Percy Phillips, and played behind a formidable pack filled with Wales internationals Arthur Gould, Bob Gould and Charlie Thomas.

Parfitt was first selected to represent Wales as part of the 1893 Home Nations Championship in the opening game against England. Under the captaincy of Arthur Gould, Parfitt was chosen to partner Phillips, who although was recognised as an elusive attacker was seen as a weak proposition in defence and poor at spot kicking. Where Phillips was an asset was in his link-up play with Gould, the team mates would break together in attack using inter-passing and feints to confuse their opponents. Parfitt's role was to cover Phillips and make sure that his offensive play did not cause defensive weaknesses. 1893, 1894 1893, 1894, 1896 1893, 1894, 1895, 1896