Harry Speakman

Henry "Harry" Collinge Speakman (19 January 1864 – 2 January 1915) was an English rugby union utility back who played club rugby for Runcorn. Although never capped at international level in his own country, in 1888 Speakman was chosen to tour New Zealand and Australia as part of the first British Isles team. Speakman later settled in Australia and played rugby for the several local teams as well as being selected to play for Queensland.

Early history Speakman was born in Leinster Gardens in Runcorn in 1864 to Anne Elizabeth Speakman. At the time of the 1871 census, his mother was listed as the head of the household, with no father present, with Speakman sharing the family home with two elder and younger siblings. Speakman started playing rugby as a youth, representing local junior teams. He soon found his way into the second XV of Runcorn Football Club and after a season he was playing as fullback for the first team.

Speakman's ability was such that he was also chosen to play at regional level, first representing the West Lancashire and Border Towns' Union and then in 1887 he was selected to play at county level for Cheshire. He gained seven caps in total for Cheshire. and even captained Queensland. He also played a few matches for Joe Warbrick's Maori team.

At the start of the 1890s Speakman relocated to the gold mining town of Charters Towers, there he continued working as a fitter. Just as in the other regions he had settled in Speakman joined the local rugby club, first representing Charters Towers in 1892 and later becoming the team's captain. In 1894 he met and married Bessie Newton, and they had three children.

Speakman died alone at the Carlton Hotel in Townsville on 2 January 1915 after suffering from heat apoplexy caused by a heat wave in the region.