- Date of Birth15 / 07 / 1874
- Died24 / 03 / 1939
- Lions Tours1899
- International CapsWales / Lions
- Lions Origin ClubsNewport, Cardiff Rugby, Cardiff Star, Cardiff Harlequins
Known as the ‘Prince of Threequarters’, Gwyn Nicholls started his career with Cardiff Star, before earning his reputation at Cardiff and gaining 24 caps for Wales as a centre.
He spent his entire 18-season playing career with Cardiff – apart from half a season with Newport in 1901/2 where he began a laundry business with fellow Welsh international Bert Winfield – and captained the capital outfit for four years.
On the 1899 British & Irish Lions Tour of Australia, he was the only Welsh player in the party, and became the first Welshman to represent a British team in a Test match – playing outstanding rugby in all weather conditions.
His appearances for Wales between 1896 and 1906 and included ten matches as captain; he skippered the Triple Crown winning side of 1902, and returned from retirement to lead Wales in the famous 1905 victory against New Zealand.
Nicholls is a true legend of the sport and the "Gwyn Nicholls Memorial Gates" were officially opened at Cardiff Arms Park by his team mate Rhys Gabe in 1949, and remain to this day.
On 16 November 2005 Gwyn Nicholls was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame.