THANKS to a scrapbook provided by former Club Chairman, Reg Ockwell's family at last year's Falmouth Rugby Family Reunion, a forgotten tale of local lad Jago, once hailed as a rugby legend, has resurfaced after decades of obscurity.

Hidden in the scrapbook was a newspaper cutting, circa 1953, with a hidden clue, "Falmouth's three internationals were John Jackett, Raphael Jago, and Jim George." 

But now, thanks to the diligent efforts of club historian and enthusiast Danny Trick, Jago's remarkable journey has been resurrected. His achievements as a player, his impact on the rugby community, and his friendship with Peters are being recognized once again.

Raphael Anthony Jago, known as England's "midget half-back," left an indelible mark on the rugby world. Born in Chideock, Dorset in 1882 to father John Jago and Elizabeth Ann Thomas,  his Cornish mother. Jago is recorded as living on Wellington Place in Falmouth by the time he was eight years old, and was still living there aged twenty as a blacksmith playing his rugby for Falmouth.

By the time he was twenty-four, work had taken him to Plymouth where he then played for Devonport Albion, later to become Plymouth Albion. This is where Jago's story took an unexpected turn when he aligned himself with county rivals Devon where he would gain fifty-nine caps at inside-half captaining the side to several county championships.

The decision to finish his life with the enemy cast a shadow over his glorious reputation back here in Cornwall. As oral history faded and memories grew hazy, Jago's contributions were gradually forgotten, leaving him lost in the annals of time.

Jago achieved significant acclaim during his rugby career. Capped five times for England and selected on seven occasions, his prowess at inside half for Devon County earned him a place in rugby history. His international debut against Wales in January 1906 marked the beginning of a promising journey that would shape his legacy playing alongside well-known Falmouth sportsman Edward John Jackett who played at full-back.


It was during his time in Plymouth playing for Devon, that Jago formed a remarkable friendship with James 'Jimmy' Peters, the first black man to play rugby union for England. The duo's camaraderie extended beyond the pitch, often engaging in intense chess matches when not honing their rugby skills. Their bond symbolized the unity and diversity that rugby represents.

Jago was called up to make his international debut in England's match against Wales in January 1906, but his fellow Devon half-back was not chosen.

There were reports of racism and, with a touring South Africa team said to be unhappy playing against a black man when taking on Devon, Jimmy was dropped for England's match against the tourists and not included in the next England trials. Former Falmouth players John Jackett and Tommy Jago were both selected against South Africa now dubbed the Springboks for the first time.

Peters was awarded four more caps, his last at Ashton Gate, Bristol, in 1908, against Wales. At the outbreak of World War One, he worked in Plymouth's naval dockyard alongside Jago, where he injured his hand.