So who was Roy Francis? | A Squidge Rugby Deep Dive
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- Опубліковано 13 чер 2020
- Most of rugby's favourite sons and daughters are celebrated for generations. Some fall between the cracks. Roy Francis is one such man. An unsung legend who overcame extreme odds and outright oppression as a player and, as a coach, went on to change rugby forever. So just who was this truly remarkable man?
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Outstanding stuff! Roy Francis is a name who should be celebrated in the highest of echelons.
Coming from a black man and huge rugby fan, thank You squidge! I had no idea this man existed and had such a big impact in the game we all love today. So much of black history have been erased off of our history book, sports included unfortunately. its goood to bring some of their deeds back in the spotlight
I really appreciate you making this man, being a white man in england I had never realised how much black history we were simply not taught. Thank you squidge
I agree
i think he's referring to UK in general
Im a black South African rugby SUPER FAN... and this had me in tears. Puddles of it. Thanks for taking the time to use your platform to educate everyone.
The Man of the Match award in the Super League Grand Final is named after Harry Sunderland. Maybe RFL should consider renaming the award for Roy Francis instead?
Him or Clive Sullivan would both be excellent choices.
@@FuckoffletmedowhatIw Clive deserves so much credit man!
Great idea. Either of those would be worthy.
Sad to see especially as I am from South Africa, it was a thing of beauty to see so many players of colour finally getting a chance in Springbok colours and bringing the world cup back to South Africa with a stunning performance against a very good England side! How much talent was the world robbed of during our ugly past both black and white?
Not to make this a thing about quotas, but the fact that every one of our black and brown players deserved to be there makes me even more proud.
Since you guys are also south Africans.. im sure you have heard how some of the traditional rugby schools still treat black schoolboys ( your Affies , Pretoria boys etc.). I hope you guys muster up the courage call out your fellow white people when you see them perform hate crimes. And if you have children, try to educate them and not let them be influenced by bigotry . Thats all we ask. Let the past STAY in the past.
@@DIEKALSTER8 As Squidge's video illustrates, it's vastly more likely that people of colour who *do* deserve to be there are *not', than that some who are not strong enough players somehow succeed in overcoming both that and systemic racism to actually get a place in the national team.
@@mphakamisimabona6389 No problem at all. A lot of us are doing that already, not only at schoolboy level but all the way up to the national squad. Racial tension adds nothing to the sport, or life for that matter, and there is absolutely no reason why we shouldn't just go out each day to enjoy being a member of the Rainbow Nation. Stay safe!
@@mphakamisimabona6389 that is changing. Ask our Springbok captain where he went to school.
So many talented players lost by the side because of the pigment of their skin. Thank you for this 🇿🇦
Dear Sir. What an example of microhistory, not quite postcolonial, but undoubtedly the kind of work that needs to be done all around the world. Thanks from Colombia and the Faculty of IR of the Javeriana Univedsity.
3:38 "I don't think they should let the coloured races into Australia" mate, aboriginals were literally already here when you guys got there!
facts
The audacity of the aboriginals to live somewhere for thousands of years when clearly they should have known it belonged to Britain.
@@bobstephens5599 Unbelievable isn't it! ahah
Literally broke my heart to hear that.....
@@bobstephens5599 70,000 - 90,000 years
I was bullied for my ginger hair when I was younger and that felt terrible enough, I can't imagine what it must be like to have all of society geared against you because you have a little more melanin in your skin.
Unbelievable that I hadn't heard of Francis until now, thanks for bringing the history of this man to the forefront Squidge
@pro Irish boy i mightn't, but growing up near south-west dublin county i would (sometimes for short lengths, sometimes for longer) get the grief from folks around me just b-cuz my mother came from north-germany & my dad hailed from some other neighbouring parish.. so yeah, great time having to hear nazi-swine or hitler-cunt behind ur back every other day. But things come & pass..
Squidge, thanks for making this. You’re a real stand up guy.
Squidge,
Thanks for highlighting this. Last week, I wrote this letter which I have sent to the Welsh government. I hope that your video will raise awareness of racism/elitism in 20th century Rugby.
Dear Whom it may concern,
My name is Adam, I am a PhD Student at the University of Cambridge, and I am writing to you today on the 2nd of June, on what is now known as #Blackout Tuesday, to highlight the racial injustice faced by a group of Black Welsh sportsmen in the 20th century, and petition for formal recognition of their achievements in Rugby League.
If I were to ask you to name the first black British coach in professional sport, or the first black captain to win a world cup in any sport, would you know their names?
Perhaps it will surprise you to learn that both men were Welshmen?
The sad reality is, due to institutional racism, and the elitist stigma surrounding rugby league vs rugby union, the British public are not aware, or have chosen to ignore these achievements.
This also includes the British media, such as Sky Sports and the Daily Mail, who repeatedly incorrectly reported Siya Kolisi to be the first Black world cup winning captain (2019 RWC).
These men weren’t just athletes, they revolutionised rugby league.
Roy Francis, born in 1919 in Brynmawr, was arguably the greatest coach in rugby league history. He became the first black professional British coach when he took over Hull FC in 1950. Prior to this, he had a successful 19 year playing career, signing for Wigan RL in 1936 at the age of 17. Such were his talents, he would have represented Great Britain against Australia in 1946, however he was denied this opportunity for political reasons, due to Australia’s then apartheid White Australia Policy. Retiring as a player coach in 1955, it was coaching where his talents really excelled. He modernised coaching in rugby league, using psychological techniques to prepare players, introducing game and dietary plans, as well as filming training and matches so that his players could learn from their mistakes. His coaching career spanned 3 decades, from the 1950s to the 1970s.
Clive Sullivan, born in Cardiff in 1943, successfully guided Great Britain Rugby League to the 1972 world cup, becoming the first Black man to captain a British professional team in any sport and the first black man to captain a world cup winning side. In a playing career which spanned 3 decades, from 1961 to 1984, he still holds records for Hull FC: most tries in a career (250) and most tries in a match (7 against Doncaster on 15 April 1968). He also had a prominent career at bitter rivals, Hull Kingston Rovers, yet is revered in much the same way as Bryan Clough (in football coaching for Derby County and Nottingham Forrest). In honour of his achievements, the Clive Sullivan Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Hull derby.
These were not the only black Welshmen to represented Wales and/or Great Britain in Rugby League. Many signed for rugby league clubs, perhaps the most famous of them all is Billy Boston, born in Butetown in 1934. He is widely regarded as one of the best rugby players of all time, irrespective of code. He scored 571 tries in his career, making him the second highest try scorer in rugby league history. He is one of only 25 players in the Rugby League Hall of Fame. In an interview by Carolyn Hitt for BBC Wales documentary, The Rugby Code Breakers, Billy said “I always wanted to play for Cardiff [RFC], but it never happened.” On his lack of selection, he has previously answered “I’ve racked my brains for a reason why and in the end, I’ve just come to the conclusion that they didn’t like the colour of my skin.”
The institutional racism these men suffered can never be undone.
It’s a dark mark that hangs over welsh rugby in the 20th century, that few are aware of, in part because the public and WRU refuses to acknowledge it.
But, their achievements can be honoured, retrospectively.
Some of these men have MBEs, trophies, stands, and roads named after them in the North of England.
There is nothing to honour their achievements in Wales.
We can change that.
I write this letter today, on the 2nd of June 2020, in the hope that you and/or your representative body will act to take steps to commemorate their achievements in an appropriate manner, such as Blue plaques or wider media coverage.
I have forwarded this letter to the Welsh Parliament (Senedd Cymru), all leaders of political parties in the Senedd with MSs/ASau seats, all 10 UK based Super League Teams, the RFL, WRU and BBC Wales.
As a proud Welshman, with family originating from Pembrokeshire, my upbringing playing rugby league in Yorkshire afforded me the opportunity to learn of the achievements of these men.
I am now tasking you to educate yourself about their lives and achievements, so that you can use the assets available to you to spread their history.
Kind regards
adamlovett95 there’s no racism in the England game you prick, 7 out of the 15 final starting line up we’re non white in 2019. Tit.
@@kenrehill8775 did you... watch the video?
How is saying Siya Kolisi is the first black captain to lift the Rugby World Cup incorrect? Let's count it out shall we:
1987 - David Kirk
1991 - Nick Farr-Jones
1995 - Francois Pienaar
1999 - John Eales
2003 - Martin Johnson
2007 - John Smit
2011 - Richie Mccaw
2015 - Richie Mccaw
2019 - Siya Kolisi
Note that this is Rugby Union. In modern times, the 2 codes are recognised as 2 distinct sports. This is different to how it was 100 years ago. When you report on a rugby union game nowadays, you don't count statistics from rugby league. That's like reporting on football and saying the media forgot all the players from futsal. Rugby League and Rugby Union - different sports! Be clear with your letter - are you railing against racism, or class-ism? You muddy the waters in your letter trying to address both. Yes the 2 can often come hand-in-hand but, particularly in Wales, class-ism and socio-economic issues that restrict people from being able to play and develop rugby is not exclusive to a single race. Even in England, schools and areas in difficulty don't play rugby, and that affects all people in that area not just groups belonging to a race.
Maybe you're a PHD Cambridge student but please step up your critical thinking.
Ken Rehill crawl back to your daily mail .
@@kenrehill8775 the comment wasn't even about England wtf lmao
Some one get this on BBC rugby for Pete's sake.
someone listened www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/54348482
As a black man this feels good.
(Please don't comment race got nothing to do with it)
same
I know man... It feels good as a white man
Yes it is
I will comment
As a white guy, I am starting to understand what you mean. Sorry it took so long!
3:37 Trying to hide your racism behind the children, a classic.
Yeah a lot of the older generation is like that.
This left me speechless. Wake up IRB! Do the right thing and start recognizing and celebrating all heros! Why is this guy a mere “footnote” in history??? Stadiums and league trophies should carry his name. Let’s start by introducing the Roy Francis coaching award. Awarded every year to the best international coach.
I came to your channel for the rugby and the lols, I stay for the genuine heartfelt emotions. Thanks, man!
Very educational and I've never heard of the guy but what a legend
Awesome Squidge! Something hardly anyone knew anything about and long overdue! Brilliant work.
Probably the most informative non-game analysis vid from Squidge ever, well done. The fact that many men and women has been beaten down by the system because of either their race or belief or even a righteous action, which is still happening today, makes us poorer as humanity.
Wow what an amazing story! Roy Francis was a real innovator. Great video as usual 👍🏼
Even when tackling such a sensitive subject once again Squidge does an excellent job. Rugby genius aside you're a truly gifted documenter. Thanks for sharing
One of your best videos. Thank you!.
Btw, 7:33, proud to share the distinction as an Irishman.
Awesome man! Love your work, Springbok movie had me in tear!
Hero who needs to be celebrated!
I know this is a short you tube video but the standard is higher than many BBC documentaries
Well done
A really great video!!! Great to see Roy Francis getting the recognition he deserves, a truly inspirational man
Thank you very much, the sport has a lot to do in terms of transformation. As a South African the Rugby World Cup is definitely something to build on as my skipper said, and Rassie showed us the blueprint. I strongly feel the rugby community can go a long in ensuring these phenomenal figures are celebrated and their legacies told.
Thank you. Simply, sincerely, thank you.
While small, this step is not insignificant. I dream of a world where we ALL are afforded equal treatment regardless of any differences we present.
Thank you so much for shining a light on this story of this Black man and his importance in our great game.
Excellent work. I first came across the name Roy Francis a couple of years ago when the BBC showed a documentary to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1968 'Watersplash Final' (Don Fox et al). Francis only got a relatively brief mention with some background details, but he deserves a documentary/book in his own right. Rhiannon Garth Jones' article 'Nine game-changing black rugby players whose stories deserve more recognition' at Rugby Pass is worth a read for similarly overlooked figures.
Great story. I remember he came to Sydney, Australia to coach North Sydney but never knew all the details about the man and his life in sport.
Squidge. I grew up in Beaufort half a mile from Brynmawr. I played for them been in the club house and no even a pic i could see of Roy Francis. I also found out about this incredible achievements far to late. And I believe it's a shame to us all that there is no mention or even any acknowledgement to Roy.
It's a shame that I have never heard about this great man until now. Thank you Squidge, great work!
As a fan of rugby ,as a Francis , as a descendant of welsh (maybe) , as a white guy , thank you Squidge for postin this now !!Salutes from Uruguay!!
Absolutely incredible video. Beautifully told. You're the man Squidge keep it up
This is brilliant. Perfect. Thank you
Keep doing this. More of This, please
I love you, man.
Yeah, South Africa had a black captain last year and a largely transformed squad, but racism in South African rugby is still rife. It's about time we started talking about it on a daily basis.
I am not disagreeing with you, but where would you say the racism is, in the Springboks and club sides or just in general?
@@thomashisted5984 Everywhere. Not one single black coach has ever been given a fair chance at provincial level, despite there being countless black coaches. Transformation guidelines have been put in place because white coaches will always favour black coaches. I know this having played club rugby until I was 25.
Within the Springboks, Etzebeth was in trouble for a pub incident before the tournament. The team, Kolisi included, decided to brush that under the rug. People tend to not want to believe that their friends are racists.
And in general, it's bloody everywhere.
Ok, thanks for the reply, I never see what colour the coaches are, I only know about the Sharks, but I will take your word for it. Enjoy your day mate. Keep well.
@@lungabiyela9081 watch the space. They are coming. They think because they don't experience it and because of that it doesn't exist.
well it's been half a week, and so far it's as quiet as a town square during covid..
I stumbled upon your videos today and I am in awe. Your analytical eye, your eloquence while explaining, the humor in all of it... and that I do actually understand a whole lot of it^^ (I'm german)
Thank you so much - I've already watched way too many of your videos for one day
Thanks squidge, I found this video brilliant, and now I actually know about Roy Francis, I won't forget that name. It's amazing what you never learn because it's hidden from sight.
Brilliant film Squidge... well said, well said, well said.. you are a man of truth. Thank you for all your rugby films but especially this one.
Thank you so much for making this. You are an absolute top bloke and fantastic documentarian.
Mate, this is an outstanding video. Very powerful. Might be my favourite to date.
Well done mate. A really important story brilliantly told
Awesome video and educational, as ever, super entertaining and we need to share this out there for everyone to see who calls themselves a rugby fan.
Fantastic video! Thank you so much for the education. Love ya squidge!
A great piece Squidge. I have seen most of your videos and really enjoy your analysis. This video is your best one yet. I came across Roy Francis( I hope I spelt his name right) randomly via the discovery channel (I think) where a programme on Rugby league was playing. Roy was a special man! Thanks again Squidge for creating this video.
Awesome!!! Great bit of history that i had no clue about and a great message at the end....sweet work dude!!
What a great video, Squidge! Your love for the game and for the rugby community is golden. Roy Francis' story deserves to live on ❤️ much respect from Texas.
Outstanding video Squidge. Great spotlight on a rugby league legend.
Very interesting and important video. Thank you for doing this!
Thanks for sharing his story
Brilliant! Thanks for plugging this gaping hole in rugby history.
Brilliant ! Thanks for making me discover RF, a great tribute for an "unknown" player ! How did we not hear about him before, it's crazy !
Keep on the good work and hello from France !
Thank you Squidge for telling this story and highlighting how great Roy Frances was. This player should honoured in some way by world sport.
Such an important piece to share. Knowing more about the icon that is Roy Francis enhances our knowledge of the game and allows us to address the sheer impact that he made. Thanks very much.
Thank you so much for making this video!
Superb work squidge. Would love to see this as a film!
Well done again, Thank you for a very good for a very good insightful video and history lesson! I thought i knew much about the history of rugby but have learnt something totally new!Very good video. Keep up entertaining the rugby public!
I had never heard of Roy Francis before today but.. I have now. You have enriched my life boyo, thanks! ❤️
Superb video Squidge.
I confess like most fans I'd not heard of Roy Francis so this was a very enlightening and enjoyable watch.
Also much credit for what you said about calling out racism when we see it. My girlfriend plays for the ladies team at Pontarddulais where that story came out recently and it's appalling that shit like that still goes on under the guise of "just banter".
👏👏👏 Wonderful, thank you so much for this one.
Moving, beautiful and important video. Thank you for making this video Squidge.
Thank you for this Squidge I knew nothing of this. Wow, thanks again.🇿🇦
Wonderful video as always! With everything that is going on in the world it is more important than ever that we celebrate the achievements of black and ethnic minority players and coaches in sport. I've been a huge fan of your work for a long time, keep up the amazing content!
A legend ✊🏾🖤
You should do a video on Clive Sullivan. The first black player to captain a British international team and score a winning try in a world cup final
I was so glad when a team mate shared a picture of a nude girl that apparently all of the team knew (i was new to the city so i didnt know her) and not only the captain but also a couple other players showed empathy for the girl and told the guy who shared the picture off. Its hard to have this kind of conversations on rugby teams where the diversity of income or political backgrounds is immense, but at least is our duty to call off team mates who think they are inherently superior to anyone or mistreat anyone that dont deserve it
I love Rugby Union, but amongst university clubs I found the culture toxic. Racism, homophobia and msygony, all excused under the veil of 'banter'. I knew a Bulgarian who was a great player, but switched codes to league as he couldn't put up with it. The change comes from us, we must all do our part to call out this shit when we see it.
The Same has been done with Kitch Christie in terms of being relegated to footnotes in rugby history. Thanks for this. I never knew any of this and was a great history lesson.
Such a poignant piece Squidge, fantastic video!
Absolutely amazing video. I appreciate this.
I learnt more in this video than we do in history class
Excellent work Squidge! Love your work!
Wonderful story and needed. Great vid, thanks Squidge.
Amazing piece of content, as always, thank you. Let's hope the powers that be see this and maybe show him some love.
Amazing video! Very informative and very well put together!
This is wonderful. Thank you so much. Keep up the great work !
I applaud you. Thank you for a great educational and helpful post.
great video of a player i've never heard, now hopefully their story will be belatedly honored as the great rugby player he was . as a proud south african, a video on the great Errol Tobias would be enjoyed by all?
thanks
Great video. On the subject of BAME rugby players you should have mention Alfred Clunies-Ross who played for Scotland in the first ever international match back in 1871. He was the first chap from my school ever to play in an international too!
Great video! You should make video about another great Hull legend Clive Sullivan. The first black player to captain any British National team
Thank you for this. Brilliant work 👌
Bravo Squidge!
Thanks for posting this! nearly 50 years ahead of time, wow.
Croix Thompson why, what’s going to happen in 50 years time that been predicted in this video?
@@kenrehill8775 i meant that the innovations Roy put in was far ahead of his time.
Great video, mate!
Robbie, you should go down in history for these videos. Such quality, and such amazing points delivered in an amazing way.🔥🔥🔥🔥
Thanks Squidge. Needed to know about this amazing man
Fantastic! Great video. Thank you for the great content.
Once again, amazing work!!!!
This had me in tears.
Bradley Stevens really?
@@kenrehill8775 similar here, that dive was moving. very.
Excellent work Squidge.
Excellent stuff!!
Keep up the great content 🔥🔥
Outstanding video as always.
Also of note is another Welshman - Clive Sullivan, first black man to captain a British sports team, captained Britain to the 1972 Rugby League World Cup.
Another Hull player.
Thank you for this, I appreciate you
Amen! There are so much lost talent due to discrimination. We need to rather include them, become one and truely put forth the best we can possibly give.
Daniel Terblanche was, not is.
@@kenrehill8775 Put your shield down Ken
Gibs G 7 of the 15 starting line up in the final were non white, which racism problem are you referring to?
Utterly outstanding, Squidge!
As an Australian this is a very informative video. Our past is really shitty, and even today we don't take enough care of the indigenous owners of the land. This is also reflected in our sports and Kurtley Beale has discussed his perspective on Aboriginal representation in Union. Now we have an Aboriginal Jersey which does show representation, however it is not a solution. Unfortunatly in Australia, Rugby League is the more dominant code. Even though it has some interesting characters, it has a vast display of representation, such as the Indigenous Allstars game which embracers culture. I hope we can reflect this in Union in the future
Thank you squidge. You're a legend
Just brilliant. Thanks for this!
more of this please
Top video chap. Great work