Rugby superstar's grave restored as club toasts its hero

WHITLEY Bay rugby club has celebrated an ex-player who was the first Northumbrian to captain England, and is described as a "superstar of his generation". Ernest William "Little Billie" Taylor led Rockliff Rugby Club to several Northumberland County Cups, and was the club's first player to represent England in 1892.

- DANIEL HALL Reporter [e-mail]

Born in Newcastle and moving to Whitley Bay in his teens, Taylor turned out for the club, which hit the news this summer when one of its rugby balls crossed the North Sea, for over a decade and became club president in 1905/06. He played for England 14 times between 1892 and 1899, captaining his country on seven occasions from 1894 onwards, the first Northumbrian to do so.

The keen sportsman's talents weren't just restricted to the rugby pitch, he also played cricket for Northumberland, was a billiards champion, and after his rugby career ended, became Whitley Bay Golf Club's first professional. Interest in Taylor was reignited in May 2023, when his granddaughter, Maureen Ross, visited the club with her husband, Peter, to find out more about her granddad.