Arthur Gould: Rugbys First Superstar Prescott Gwyn

Arthur Gould is the definitive biography of the record-breaking Welsh international player who is widely acknowledged as the first superstar of rugby. Nicknamed 'Monkey' due to his childhood fondness for climbing trees, Gould played the majority of his club rugby for Newport RFC and won a then-record 27 Welsh caps; 25 of which were at centre (a record only bettered by Steve Fenwick in 1980); and captained his country 18 times (a record only beaten in 1994 by Ieuan Evans). Such was his fame and renown, that upon his tragic, early death in 1919, aged just 54, Gould's funeral in Newport was reported as the biggest Wales had ever seen.

Gould's superstar status was illustrated late in his career when a testimonial appeal received widespread A true sporting sensation, when he retired in 1899 Gould had played more first-class matches and scored more tries and drop goals than any other player.