About William Russell
Lived 1880 – 1933 (aged 53). William Russell was a British rugby union player, water polo player and swimmer.
William Laing Russell (31 May 1880 — 31 October 1933) was a Scottish international rugby union player.
Born in Glasgow, Russell was the son of Magistrate Sir William Russell and an elder brother of Albert Russell, who was an MP and Solicitor General for Scotland during the 1930s.
Russell became one of Scotland's best swimmers as a teenager and was a member of the Western Swimming Club. He won Scottish swimming championships in the 50 yards, 100 yards, 220 yards, 440 yards and half-mile. As a water polo player, Russell represented Scotland in matches against England, Ireland and Wales.
Russell was senior partner of a Glasgow coal exporting firm.
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Important facts
People in William Russell's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
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Contemporaries
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Frequently asked questions
Who was William Russell?
Scottish rugby union player (1880-1933)
When was William Russell born?
William Russell was born on 31 May 1880.
When did William Russell die?
William Russell died on 31 October 1933.
What was William Russell's occupation?
William Russell was a rugby union player, water polo player and swimmer.
What nationality was William Russell?
William Russell was British.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: William Russell (rugby union)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Russell. https://biography.guide/william-russell-rugby-union-player/
MLA: "William Russell." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-russell-rugby-union-player/.
Chicago: "William Russell." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-russell-rugby-union-player/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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