Andrew Stoddart was one of the greatest sportsmen of all time. He is the only person to captain England at rugby, football and cricket. He was born in South Shields in 1863 but grew up in London.

His first love was rugby and debuted for Harlequins on the 27th of December against Richmond. He played for Harlequins 46 times and went on to captain England and the British and Irish Lion on the 1888 tour of New Zealand and Australia.

In 1890, he was appointed England captain which he did for four matches. Then, in 1891, he created the Barbarians side. The Barbarians are one of the most famous teams in rugby and he was one of the founding members.

In 1893, he retired from rugby and focused full time on cricket. He recorded the then highest score in cricketing history and score 485 for Hampstead against the Stoics. In 1893, he took over from W.G Grace as England captain and then lead England to an Ashes victory in Australia.

So why is this great sportsman not better known? Andrew Stoddard’s life ended in considerable sadness in 1915. His marriage was childless and many of his friends had died in the war. He was often seen sat at the window, gazing at nothing in the distance.

On 4th April 1915, he retired for the night and shot himself. In those days, suicide was considered a mortal sin and he was buried in an unnamed grave.

One of England’s greatest ever sportsmen unfairly totally struck out of history. Andrew Stoddart should be remembered and recognised as one of the greatest in history.