Springbok no. 44 · Full Back
Theo Samuels
Theodore Alexander Samuels · Griquas
Test career
First test
22 Aug 1896, age 23 · Left Wing v Britain, Wanderers (Old Wanderers), Johannesburg
Last test
5 Sep 1896, age 23 · Full Back v Britain, Newlands, Cape Town
Biography
Theo Samuels scored South Africa’s first Test tries. Called up as a late replacement on the wing for the second Test against the 1896 British Isles side in Johannesburg, he crossed twice when South Africa trailed 13–0. Before that, South Africa had never scored a point against the British in a Test.
Born on 21 July 1873, the son of a clergyman, he was educated at Diocesan College (Bishops) and represented Griqualand West. Better known as a fullback, he played there in the last two Tests of the series, and was in the side that won the fourth Test at Newlands, South Africa’s first victory. He died on 16 November 1896, just weeks after that series.
Test history
3 tests · 6 points| Date | Opponent | Venue | Position | Result | Province |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Aug 1896 |  Britain | Wanderers (Old Wanderers), Johannesburg | Left Wing | L 8–17 | Griquas |
| 29 Aug 1896 | Britain | Kimberley Athletic Club Ground, Kimberley | Full Back | L 3–9 | Griquas |
| 05 Sep 1896 | Britain | Newlands, Cape Town | Full Back | W 5–0 | Griquas |