Herbert Toft (1909–1987), known as H. B. Toft, Henry Toft, or Bert Toft, was a rugby union international who represented England from 1936 to 1939.^[2] He also captained his country.^[2]

Early life

Hebert Toft was born on 2 October 1909 in Salford.^[2] He attended Manchester Grammar School and then Manchester University,^[1] returning to his school to become a teacher and later headmaster.^[1] Born Herbert Toft, he was known by a number of variations on this. Although named Herbert, by the time he was at university he was known as Henry. One explanation of why he then became known as H B Toft was that when it became apparent that of the founders of the Manchester XXI Club he was the only one with one forename, they rechristened him Henry "Bloody" Toft.^[3] However, he had also been known as Bert due to a foreshortening of his birth name. This was combined with his nickname Henry such that he became known as Henry Bert Toft, and thence H B Toft. So ubiquitous was the use of Henry Bert Toft as his name that some commentators on the sport cite Henry Bert as his forenames.^[4]

Rugby union career

Toft played for Sale Rugby Club and made his international debut on 21 March 1936 at Twickenham in the England vs Scotland match.^[2] Of the 10 matches he played for his national side he was on the winning side on 7 occasions.^[2] He played his final match for England on 18 March 1939 at Murrayfield in the Scotland vs England match.^[2] His rugby career was interrupted by World War II when he left to serve in the Royal Air Force.

References

• RAF V Paris at Parc Des Princes 11 November 1944
• The RAF team who played in the last wartime fixture at Swansea with South Wales whom they beat 22–3 on 7 October 1944.