Ellis Clarkson Hull FC, Lancashire and England Full-Back

25 year old Ellis Clarkson a born footballer came from Leigh and started his rugby career as a young boy with Victoria Rangers Juniors. In 1901-02 he joined West Leigh as a Centre three quarter until the end of the 1903 season.

His smart play attracted the premier club Leigh NU and after playing a few games in the A team was promoted to the first team as a fullback. It did not take long for county and England honours. Ellis Clarkson Leigh captain who had represented Lancashire played for England and picked to go on the tour of Australia which for family reasons was turned down as his father was seriously ill and died a few days after the tour started.

In an Australian v Leigh club match Ellis Clarkson the Leigh captain should feel proud. He has the unique honour of being the captain of the first team to beat the Australians in the game played on 28 Oct 1908 at Leigh Mather Lane ground by 14 points to Australia 11 points.

In 1910 Clarkson was on the transfer list, the reason was because Leigh had signed Australia number one full back Mike Bolewski who played in all three test matches of 1909, he was on a five year contract as a full back, however, with Clarkson cleverness Clarkson retained the full back position, the Australian Bolewski was not at all happy and Leigh had no alternative but to put Clarkson on the transfer list.

This was great news for Hull FC Mr. Boynton acted swiftly and signed the Leigh fullback and his first match was against Batley at the Boulevard on Thursday 1 September 1910 in front of 8000 fans.

But why did Hull sign Clarkson, Hull already had a fantastic full back in Harry Taylor and the reliable Ed Rogers. One of the reasons is Harry Taylor informed Mr. A J Boynton the president of Hull FC, that because of work commitment it would be difficult for him to play in most away games he had to attend his business commitments and was planning on retiring from rugby league.

It did not take Ellis Clarkson long to settle in at Hull and soon became a favourite with the players and supporters, Ellis Clarkson provided, a cool an finished display of full back play quite in keeping with his International form.

The 25 year old believed in action rather than words, is a most unassuming character and has a pleasant reserved manner. He is 5ft. 8in in height and weighs about 12 stone, he is of a fearless type, whose method are business only. He realises that the present is all important and in joining Hull FC is more concerned at winning his spurs over again than playing upon his reputation as a Lancashire County man and one who was selected to play as an English International.

It is remarkable how he excels at the expense of Lancashire Clubs. Yet Warrington, Leigh, Swinton, Broughton Rangers, and Rochdale, have solemnly declared they knew Clarksons moves perfectly well.

Any how, every one of the five teams named have yielded points to Hull this season! Apparently Clarkson needs no tuition in the ways to be employed in preventing them from scoring more points than Hull.

When Hull visited Leigh, the latter club offered to hand Hull a cheque for the amount they received for Clarksons transfer if Hull would part with him. But, of course the Hull Club will not sell their best player at any price.

he played for 3 seasons and whilst with Hull, Ellis was chosen to represent England against Wales in 1910, 1911 and 1912. His playing record for Hull FC 91 matches played, Ellis Clarkson transferred back to Leigh in 1913.