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.
He was sent to work in Blackwood, Caerphilly, in South Wales, finding employment as either a carpenter or a painter and decorator. Upon arriving in Wales, he joined the local rugby union team, playing as a full back.