Kenyon Jones

Kenyon William James "Ken" Jones (5 September 1911 – 16 December 1998) was a Welsh rugby union international player.

Personal history

Jones was born in Llanishen, Wales. He was educated at Monmouth School before matriculating to Jesus College, Oxford. A keen sportsman, as well as his rugby career he was also selected to represent Wales as a high jumper but was unable to compete. In his post-graduate years he was a management trainee.

He was commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant in the Welch Regiment in 1930, becoming a lieutenant in 1939 (with seniority from 1937). During the Second World War he served in Military Intelligence in Egypt where he was awarded the American Bronze Star for his work in General Eisenhower's headquarters.

On returning to civilian life Jones entered the business world and became the managing director of Unilever and later managing director of Ronson Products.

Rugby career

Jones played rugby as a youth, representing Monmouth School. He continued playing at university and was selected for Oxford University RFC, winning his "Blue" for rugby in 1931 and 1932. On leaving education, he settled in England, and played for Welsh exile club London Welsh as well as playing county rugby for Yorkshire. He played for the Wales national rugby union team on one occasion, as no. 8 against England on 20 January 1934. During the Second World War he played in Germany representing a Berlin team and a Germany XV. His final game of rugby was after the war when he appeared for an international XV in Cardiff.