Vivian Gordon James Jenkins

Vivian Gordon James Jenkins

Vivian Gordon James Jenkins was born in Port Talbot on 2 November 1911. He was educated at Llandovery College and Oxford Univefsity where he won three rugby and one cricket Blue. Originally a centre, he also played club rugby for Bridgend and London Welsh but his 14 caps for Wales were at full-back, including his debut against England in 1933 when Wales won at Twickenham for the first time and, two years later, another famous victory against New Zealand at Cardiff Arms Park. In 1938 he toured South Africa as vice-captain of the British Isles, playing in 11 games, including one test. His ten appearances for the Barbarians included five Easter tours and the captaincy against Swansea in 1938. He also served on the Club committee from 1936 to 1939. After World War II he became a distinguished rugby correspondent for The Sunday Times and wrote books on the Lions'tours of 1955 and 1959 and the pioneering editor of Rothmans Rugby Yearbook and Rugby World magazine. Vivian Jenkins died on 5 January 2004 at the age of 92.