Castleford's Victorian rugby stars were used to taking centre stage on the pitch – but the lives of four England internationals connected with the town proved just as dramatic away from it.

One was handed a pub in an attempt to boost his wages, only to end up bankrupt.

Another kept a shotgun behind the bar and was arrested after firing it into the ceiling.

A third lost a leg after being caught in a German bombing raid, while another found himself on the wrong side of the law.

Jack Rhodes, who was sacked for leaving Castleford.

placeholder image — Jack Rhodes, who was sacked for leaving Castleford.

Their remarkable stories have been uncovered by rugby historian and author Phil Hill while researching his book The Lives of England Rugby Players 1871 –1899.

Mr Hill said: "Castleford's rugby players were among the stars of the Victorian game, but success on the pitch did not always translate into success away from it."

When Castleford's rugby club turned professional, it tried to help Harry Speed increase his income by setting him up in the licensed trade.

Speed took over the Lion Hotel, which had an arrangement allowing visiting rugby teams to change there.

Shotgun landlord Willie Ward. (Courtesy of Eddie Mullard).

But in 1900 Bradford's players refused to use the facilities and said "the rooms were not fit to dress in".

Speed was eventually declared bankrupt, blaming wartime restrictions, beer shortages, strikes, unemployment and betting losses.

John 'Jack' Rhodes also paid a price for turning professional.

He was sacked from his factory job in Castleford after signing for Hull Kingston Rovers before becoming landlord of the St Leger in Hull.

Anthony Sparks, whose leg was amputated. (Image: Steve Hill).

His time as a publican included fines over a controversial jumping contest and for failing to display a copy of government regulations.

Anthony Starks went down in rugby history after becoming the first man to represent England at both rugby codes.

He had followed Rhodes out of the factory after signing for Hull KR, but his later years were marked by tragedy.

He lost a leg after being blown up during a German bombing raid on Hull and was described as being "in reduced circumstances".

A testimonial match was subsequently held to raise money for him.

Then there was John 'Willie' Ward, landlord of the King William IV in Cutsyke.

More than six feet tall and weighing 19 stone, Ward was renowned for his speed over 25 yards – but he was also known for keeping a shotgun behind the bar.

He was arrested after firing it into the ceiling when a customer “misbehaved".

Mr Hill's research has uncovered the stories of all 337 England rugby pioneers featured in The Lives of England Rugby Players 1871 – 1899.