2. Freddie Brooks
In 1906 he represented the Rhodesian rugby team in South Africa’s Currie Cup as a winger. He was considered unlucky to miss selection in the Springbok team to tour England in 1906–07 as he didn’t meet the five-year residential qualification period, albeit by only a few months.
Springbok vice-captain Paddy Carolin had wanted Brooks in the team and told him to come with them to England, at which time he would send a telegram to the Rugby Board seeking permission to call up Brooks as a replacement player.
While in England, Brooks again played rugby for Bedford and was selected in the South vs North fixture, which was used as a trial for spots in the national team. He scored four tries and despite coming to the country to play for the Springboks, Brooks was named in the England team for a Test against the South Africans.
He got further opportunities to play for England, against both France and England, but turned them down to get married back in Rhodesia