Roy Francis - Rugby player and Manager
Roy Francis was born in Cardiff, Wales on the 20th January 1919. His father Albert Francis, a Black man had an affair with a white woman who didn't want to keep the baby, so Francis was brought up with his dad and his wife Rebecca (who was also Black).
Growing up Francis was sporty, he participated in a variety of sports, though loved Rugby. He played Rugby Union for Brynmawr Rugby Football Club before being selected for the English rugby league club Wigan at age 17. Francis made his debut professionally on the 26th March 1937. He was impressive. Francis scored seven tries in the remaining five games of the season.
However, Francis’ progression was halted when Wigan employed the Australian coach Harry Sunderland, under his leadership he only allowed Roy to play seven out of eighty six fixtures between 1937 and 1939. Francis stated that this was because he was Black, the implication was that coach Harry Sunderland was prejudiced.
8th April 1944 England Services Rugby Team
Francis sitting 2nd left front row
Francis was the first Black player to represent England in rugby league, the year was 1947. In the mid-1950s, he became the first Black manager and coach with Hull FC. Saying that Francis' leadership was ahead of its time is an understatement. His ideas and methods are standard today, however in the 1950s they were revolutionary. Francis' approach was holistic, he paid attention to the mental and psychological health of his players, their meal and diet plans and their well-being regarding family life. He'd also analyse video footage of games.
Francis’ coaching style proved successful. Hull FC won the 1956 and 1958 Championship and he led them to the 1960 Cup Final’s. Francis left Hull and had a successful stint managing Leeds to victory in 1968, winning the Challenge Cup Final. Francis moved to Sydney Australia in 1969, where he improved the performance of the North Sydney Bears. Overall his coaching methods and ideas positively impacted Australian rugby.
In 1971 Francis moved back to the United Kingdom and became Hull FC’s manager for a second time from 1971 to 1973. He then went on to coach Bradford Northern.
Roy Francis passed away on the 1st April 1989, he was 70 years of age.