Obolensky our rugby legend

In the midst of this year's 6 Nations Championship will be the 108^th anniversary of the birth of a rugby legend. A man who deserves to be better remembered.

By Peter Foy

Obolensky our rugby legend Prince Alexander Sergeevich Obolensky was born in Petrograd on 17 February 1916. His family were forced to flee their home during the Bolshevik revolution of 1917 and, like so many persecuted people, found refuge in the UK. Obolensky thrived in his adopted homeland, academically gifted, he was awarded a scholarship to read PPE at Oxford, and he was also an exceptionally talented sportsman. At Oxford he won two rugby blues, he also played for Chesterfield, Leicester Tigers and Rosslyn Park.

Forced to flee his country of birth, he chose to serve his adopted home...

On 4 January 1936, he won his first cap for England against the All Blacks, an achievement made all the better by scoring 2 tries in his adopted nation’s first win against New Zealand. His first try saw him receive the ball from a scrum and he ran 75 yards for a magnificent touchdown. Captured on Pathe news footage which was shown around the country, the try made Obolensky a national hero. You can still see the footage on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wjb8eO0bJ3U

As war approached, Obolensky was commissioned as an officer in the RAF. He died on the 29 March 1940 in a flying accident at RAF Martlesham Heath, just outside of Ipswich. A statue, by the artist Harry Gray, was paid for by public subscription and stands in the centre of Ipswich. It commemorates an amazing man. Forced to flee his country of birth, he chose to serve his adopted home both on the field of play and in battle.

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Published: 9 February 2024
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