Dyne Fenton Smith


Dyne Fenton Smith was an English rugby union international who played on two occasions for his country and was part of the first official British Isles team that toured South Africa in 1910.

Early life

Dyne Fenton Smith was born in 1890 in Hove, Sussex, the eldest son of Charles Edward Smith, a stock jobber who although born in France was of British parentage, and his wife Caroline Constance Fenton from Goodmanham, Yorkshire. Dyne had a number of siblings, including younger brother Leonard and younger sister Enid.

Rugby career

Smith played his club rugby for Richmond F.C. He made his Test debut for England vs Wales at Twickenham on 15 Jan 1910, in which game England were victorious. He played once again in the draw against Ireland on 12 February. This was his last game for England, but he was selected for the first official British Isles team that toured South Africa in 1910. He played on all three tests.

International matches played

Fenton Smith served in First World War as a lieutenant in the Royal Fusiliers. He served in France from 1915.

Personal life

Smith married in 1911 and for a time lived in Walton-on-Thames where he had a firm, Fenton Smith Bros.