The Passing of George Parsons

The following article was taken from today's St Helen's Star (301109)


A BLOCKBUSTING Welsh forward who starred in the all-conquering Saints’ side of the 1950s has died at his Crickhowell home at the age of 83.

Second-rower George Parsons, who shared the same birthday and took tea with the Queen at Buckingham Palace, leaves his son Stephen, daughter Christine and six grandchildren.

His St Helens-born wife Dorothy died three months ago.

Lantern-jawed, 6ft 2in 15 stone with loping stride, George served in the Royal Welch Fusiliers and South Wales constabulary prior to being capped by Wales in 1947, a time when Saints had initially swooped for stand-off Lieutenant Len Constance from Devonport Services team.

When the Rugby Union hierarchy learned that George had been ‘talking’ to Saints they removed him from the squad to face France. He and Abertillery team-mate winger Steve Llewellyn then headed for Knowsley Road.

Parsons was banned by the RFU and had to wait until 1990 for his ‘pardon’, but by then he had made his name in the professional code in playing 296 games for Saints, in which he scored 45 tries and kicked 40 goals.

He earned Challenge Cup, League Championship and Lancashire Cup medals, was an Hall of Fame member at Knowsley Road, and remained a popular figure at Past Players’ Association functions.

Selection for Great Britain and Wales were other highlights of George’s distinguished 13-a-side CV, before he hung up his boots after spells with Rochdale Hornets and Salford in 1958, later becoming involved with Pilkington Recs amateur club Off the field Parsons rose to management status with glass giants Pilkington, plus being a Liberal councillor and magistrate.

His funeral takes place this Friday in Crickhowell when Kel Coslett and Geoff Pimblett will represent Saints.

My sincere condolences to George's family at this very sad time