Sid Smart

Memories and Tributes

A tireless worker who rose from humble roots to secure England’s first Grand Slam, Sid Smart dedicated his entire life to Gloucester Rugby, eventually passing away on the very steps of the Kingsholm grandstand he served.

Sid Smart was a back row forward with a real turn of speed. His specialist position was No. 8. He rose from humble origins to play for his country, and to become one of the best loved members of the Gloucester Club.

Sidney E J Smart was born on 14th January 1888 at Kingsholm, Gloucester, the son of a general labourer. In 1891 the family were living at 1, Lewis Buildings, Sydney Place, Wotton St Mary Within, Wotton St Mary, Gloucester, but by 1901 had moved to 87, Alfred Street. Sid was educated at the Deacon’s School, Gloucester, and started his playing career soon after the turn of the century with the Gordon League. By 1911, Sid had moved with his parents to 255, Barton Street, and he was then employed as a driller/railway at the Gloucester Wagon Works.

He played his first game for Gloucester on 23 March 1911 at Kingsholm against Bream, and played in one more game before the end of that season. During the following season, 1911-12, he scored his first try for the Club against Cinderford on 2nd October 1911, and also scored tries in both matches against Bristol that season – in the 16-8 win at home and the 8-3 win away. He not only became firmly established in the Gloucester side, playing in 32 of their 40 fixtures, but also attracted attention from the county selectors. Within a few months of starting to play first class rugby, he was selected for the first county game of the 1911-12 season, playing for Gloucestershire against Monmouth on 12th October, and immediately became a fixture in the side. In January 1912 he went with the County to Ireland to play against County Dublin.

He was made a life member of the Gloucester club, retained his association with the Club throughout his life and was a popular figure around Kingsholm. Even when he was in his eighties, he continued to serve the Club he loved, as a steward in the grandstand at Kingsholm. And that is where he died on 25th January 1969, aged 81 – just before half-time in the Gloucester v Cambridge University match, he collapsed, fell down the steps, and was declared dead on arrival at the hospital. His funeral was held at St James’ Church and he was interred at ConeyHill Cemetery.

Life Timeline

Born Sidney E. J. Smart at Kingsholm, Gloucester. He was the son of a general laborer, growing up in the working-class heart of the city.

1888: Born
Educated at the Deacon’s School. He began his rugby career with Gordon League RFC, a club famous for its "tough as boots" players.

1902: Education & Rugby Beginnings
Employed at the Gloucester Railway Carriage and Wagon Works as a driller. This manual labor contributed to the immense physical strength and fitness for which he became known.

1911: Working Life & Strength
Made his Gloucester 1st XV debut against Bream.

1911: Gloucester First XV Debut
In his first full season, he played 32 matches and was immediately called up for Gloucestershire County.

1911: Breakthrough Season Impact
After less than two years of senior rugby, he made his England debut against South Africa at Twickenham.

1913: England International Debut
Played every match in the Five Nations as England secured their first-ever Grand Slam. Sid was a vital part of the pack that defeated Wales in Cardiff for the first time in 18 years.

1913: Slam Champion
Enlisted with the 1/5th Battalion, Gloucestershire Regiment alongside many of his teammates.

1914: Enlisted for War Service
Landed in France. He rose through the ranks from Private to Sergeant and qualified as a Brigade Grenadier (specialist bomber).

1915: Deployment to France
Wounded in action on April 15, 1916. After recovery, he was transferred to the Royal Munster Fusiliers, but a second wound eventually led to his discharge from the Army.

1916: Wounded & Military Discharge
Returned to Kingsholm after the war, remarkably reclaiming his England jersey for three more caps and helping Gloucestershire win the County Championship.

1919: Returned to Kingsholm
He famously walked from Gloucester to Pershore (approx. 20 miles) for a track meet, won his race, and walked all the way back.

1920: The Pershore Walk
Elected Captain of Gloucester. He led the team to 24 wins and secured his fourth County Championship winner’s medal.

1921: Gloucester Captaincy
Made a final "cameo" appearance for the club against Bath, more than two years after his previous game, finishing with 192 appearances.

1926: Final Appearance
After rugby, he worked as a "Roadman" for the Gloucester Corporation, maintaining the city’s streets well into his retirement years.

1930: Professional Work
Made a Life Member of the club, Sid refused to simply sit in the stands. He became a match-day steward in the Grandstand, helping fans find their seats.

1965: Life Membership Honour
While serving as a steward during the match against Cambridge University, Sid collapsed and died at the age of 81. He passed away within the walls of Kingsholm, just yards from the pitch where he had become a legend.

1969: Passing at Kingsholm
He was interred at Coney Hill Cemetery, leaving behind a legacy carried on by his son Sydney, who also played over 100 games for the club.

1969: Interment