Charles Albert "Whacker" Smith

By Malc King

"Whacker" Smith was a sturdily built, auburn-haired, left wing who played for Gloucester from 1897 to 1908, making 269 appearances. He was a formidable character - a contemporary assessment said " Whacker is fairly fast, kicks well, and tackles magnificently, and when near the line is difficult to stop". Defence was his chief forte - he was "most resolute whatever conditions face him".  

These qualities were recognised by the England selectors, and in the 1900-01 season, he played in 2 trial games, for the Rest of the South v London and the Universities, and for the South v the North. This resulted in his being picked for England on the right wing for the match v Wales at Cardiff on 5th January 1901, with the declared aim "to stop the Welsh backs scoring". Although, the following season, he played again for the Rest of the South v London and the Universities, the appearance at Cardiff proved to be his only international cap.  

Charles Albert Smith was born in Gloucester on 18th July 1878.