A scarce and highly-desirable original sepia photograph of the first XV Rugby team from Downing College, Cambridge, just prior to the outbreak of the First World War.
Tragically, three members of the team were killed during the war: one on a training exercise; one leading his men on the Western Front (who was later awarded a posthumous Military Cross); and one (a Scottish International with 7 caps against England, Wales and Ireland, and later a pilot in the Royal Flying Corps) in a dogfight over the Western Front.
Information on these fallen Downing alumni can be found on the college's 1914-1918 roll of honour:
Notably, Cambridge University college sports did not resume until the Michaelmas term of 1919.
The original photograph and frame are in excellent condition.
