British Lions Cap

Born in Bath but educated and developed as a rugby player in Wales, Phil Waller gained his first Welsh cap in December 1908 against Australia.
He played 6 matches for Wales. Wales never lost when Phil played. He was an outstanding forward for both his club, Newport, and Wales. In 1910 he was selected for the Lions team which toured South Africa and gained this cap. On that tour he played in a remarkable 23 of the 24 matches played. At the end of the tour Phil stayed in South Africa to live and work. While there he played for the famous Wanderers club in Johannesburg. At the outbreak of the First World War Phil joined the South African Artillery and travelled to fight for king and country in France. He was wounded and died of his wounds at Beaumetz-les Cambrai on 14th December 1917 aged 28.