The magnificent men of England's swinging 20s

Brendan Gallagher delves into some of rugby’s most enduring images, their story and why they are still so impactful

- Brendan Gallagher

What’s happening here?

It’s January 1924 at Swansea’s St Helens Ground and England are leading Wales 8-3 at the break. Teams stayed on at half-time back then and a bold photographer – name unknown – has ventured onto the pitch and approached the huddle, unheard of in those days. From left to right we have Jake Jacob, Bevan Chantrill, Alan Robson, Arthur Blakiston, Geoff Conway, Tom Voyce, skipper Wavell Wakefield, Ronald Cove-Smith and Bill Luddingtton.

What’s the story behind the picture?

England were enjoying an historic, halcyon period. Before the outbreak of war in 1914 they had won back-to-back Grand Slams and when hostilities ceased they soon picked up where they left off by winning Slams in 1921, 1923 and 1924. England were in their pomp and enjoying it all immensely. Under the captaincy of Wakefield, who demanded supreme fitness, they had adopted a scientific approach to the game and played at extreme pace. They had not, however, often enjoyed success at Swansea over the years and wanted to put on a show in front of the capacity 35,000 crowd.

What happened next?