Back in August, a reception was held at the Kingsholm Stadium in honour of Gloucester Rugby legend Ken Daniell. Former players, family and friends gathered to mark Ken’s 100th birthday. He is believed to be the first former Gloucester player to reach this remarkable milestone.

Longevity is also a feature of Ken’s try-scoring record. Between October 1947 and January 1948, he scored a try in each of 10 successive appearances for the Cherry & Whites (16 tries in total in those games) – a feat not matched to this day. In total, he scored 44 tries in 89 games for Gloucester between 1945 and 1950, as well as playing for Gloucestershire and having a reserve card for an England trial. He would have played many more times, perhaps for England as well, had a serious knee injury not cut short his playing career.

Ken’s try-scoring prowess was down to his explosive pace – he was also an accomplished athlete who could run 100 yards in 10 seconds. He ran a creditable second to the British Champion McDonald Bailey (later World 100m record holder) in a race at Cheltenham in 1946. Along with his father, Norman, who also played rugby for Gloucester, he played an influential role in re-establishing the Gloucester Athletic Club after the war. His grandfather Henry was also a well-known athlete.

Ken was a regular at Kingsholm until he was in his late 80s

Ken combined his sporting activities with a career as a draughtsman at the local engineering firm, Fielding & Platt – a job which took him all around the world. Fortunately, the Chief Draughtsman Tom Millington was a former Gloucester Rugby player himself. During his playing days, Ken would spend three evenings a week at the technical college and two at rugby training. After retiring from playing, Ken continued to be a regular in the stands at Kingsholm until he was in his late 80s.

Ken was married to his late wife Elaine, who also reached the age of 100, for almost 77 years. He puts his long life down to never having smoked, eating homegrown food and the support of his family.

Congratulations Ken, on reaching this amazing milestone and on a life full of achievement.