Tributes paid to player who debuted at 19
AWELSH international who made his Wales debut as a teenager at Twickenham has died. Tributes have been paid to former winger Trevor Brewer following his death on July 15 aged 87.
Born in Newport, the former Newport High School and Oxford University student helped get Wales’ 1950 Grand Slam campaign off to a flying start with an 11-3 victory over England.
Other debutantes on that famous day were hooker Maldwyn Davies, lock Roy John, full back Lewis Jones, prop John Robins and scrum half Rex Willis.
One of the quickest players of his era, Mr Brewer won the Welsh Schools 220 yards title in 1947 and was second in the 100 yards. From Newport High School, he went to Oxford University, where he studied chemistry at Jesus College. The young player missed the 1950 Varsity match through injury, but scored a try in the 13-0 win over Cambridge at Twickenham in 1951.
After taking Wales to its first Gland Slam since 1911, Mr Brewer faced a five-year wait before taking on England again at Cardiff Arms Park in 1955.
Once again he finished on the winning side, thanks to an Arthur Edwards penalty that secured a 3-0 win.
From there, Mr Brewer retained his place in an unchanged Welsh side that marched on to Edinburgh to meet Scotland, but was dropped for the next game. In total, he gained three senior Welsh caps as well as the seven he won for the Welsh Secondary Schools team between 1946-48.
During his career, he played alongside England international Brian Boobyer at the centre for the Dark Blues against the touring Springboks in 1951.
Other highlights include his role in the South Eastern Counties team against the 1953 All Blacks as well as playing for the army, combined services, and Hampshire and London Welsh team where he captained during the 1956-57 season.
After completing his national service ,Mr Brewer joined the Imperial Chemical Industries working as a production services manager. From there he moved to Northern Ireland before returning to live in Henley.
A spokesman for Newport RFC said: “Newport RFC were saddened to hear the news that former player Trevor Brewer passed away on July 15 after suffering a stroke.
“Brewer made a handful of appearances in black and amber in the late 1940s and impressed so much that he gained his first cap for Wales when playing from Rodney Parade in a winning team against England in 1950.
“Later in his playing days he represented London Welsh with great distinction and also captained them.
“The club sends its condolences to Trevor’s family and friends.”
The Welsh Rugby Union has also offered its condolences to the family and friends of Mr Brewer.