Background
James Davidson, more affectionately known as Jim, was born at Aspatria on 28 December 1868.
James Davidson, more affectionately known as Jim, was born at Aspatria on 28 December 1868.
He received his education at the Aspatria Agricultural College, where he excelled at sport, winning representative honours at both Association Football and Rugby Union. In 1897, he played for England in the game against Scotland. In 1898, against Scotland and Wales.
And in 1899 against Scotland and Ireland.
In the match in 1898, he was, according to one journalist, the ‘man of the match’. "When the whistle blew no man came off the field on either side fresher or more ready to renew hostilities than James Davidson." Upon retirement from the game Jim became a respected official
He was chairman of the County Selectors Committee, and the Cumberland representative to the Rugby Union. He was also one of the principal administrators in the Aspatria Club and held numerous offices.
He was a stonemason and builder by trade, a man with a giant frame, noted for his great strength, sporting attitude and determination.
Described in the sporting journal, Sporting Life, as ‘Hard as Nails’. In 1898 he became the first recipient of a sporting testimonial in Cumberland. He died at Aspatria on 23 December 1943.
Foreign over fifteen years Davidson was a prominent member of Aspatria RUFC, playing as a forward in the old scrimmaging style.