Jack Riley (c. 1874 – 19 June 1924) was an English professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1900s. He played at representative level for England, and at club level for Halifax, as a forward, and represented England in the first ever international rugby league game in 1904.[1]
Playing career
Riley started his rugby career with his local team in the village of Luddenden Foot, aged 17. In October 1893, he was signed by Halifax.[3]
International honours
Jack Riley won a cap playing as a forward (in an experimental 12-a-side team), for England in the 3–9 defeat by Other Nationalities at Central Park, Wigan on Tuesday 5 April 1904,[2] in the first ever international rugby league match.[4]
After retiring from rugby, Riley became a pub licensee. On 19 June 1924, Riley died at the Old King Cross Inn in Halifax, aged 50. He was buried in Stoney Royd Cemetery.[7]