He was sent to work in Blackwood, Caerphilly, in South Wales, gaining employment as either a carpenter or a painter and decorater. On arriving in Wales, he took up rugby union, playing as a full back for his local side Blackwood.
After being relocated to Blackwood, Caerphilly in South Wales, he secured work as either a carpenter or a painter and decorator.  Upon his arrival in Wales, he began playing rugby union for his local team, taking on the position of full back.