John Francis Ashby

John Francis Ashby (5 May 1886 – 16 May 1920) was an English rugby union forward, solicitor and local councillor. He represented Cheshire at county level and toured Argentina in 1910 with the side retrospectively recognised as the British & Irish Lions.

Early life and family

Ashby was born at Ratby, Leicestershire, the son of William Ashby, a farmer originally from Southam, Warwickshire, and Ellen Zilpah Ashby (née Sanders ), who was born at Old Brentford, Middlesex. He had at least two siblings, Oliff Margery Ashby and George W. Ashby.

Education

Ashby was educated at Calday Grange Grammar School and later at Liverpool College, where he became head boy and captain of the school.

First World War

Following the outbreak of the First World War, Ashby was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Cheshire Regiment. He was later promoted and served overseas in France. He was wounded in 1915 and subsequently promoted to captain. His death followed a prolonged illness resulting from his wartime service.