The Forest of Dean's only full England rugby international was the legendary 'Bumps Carpenter'.

Before going on to play for Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England and the Barbarians, (He believed playing for the Baa Baas was the greatest rugby honour he ever received) he started his rugby career playing for Cinderford as hooker and he never let it be forgotten that he regularly walked to and from his work as a miner at the pit, before each game.

Two of his sons, George and Denzil, also followed in their famous father's footsteps, playing as hooker for their home town Cinderford and also Gloucestershire.

Although A.D.Carpenter received only the one full England cap - he played against South Africa in 1932, his prowess and reputation won admiration and respect, not just in England but throughout Wales as well, where rugby was close to being a religion at that time.

Vivian Jenkins, a former Welsh international player and ex Sunday Telegraph rugby correspondent wrote, 'There was 'Bumps Carpenter', that remarkable "ageless" hooker, tough as teak who once, I believe, packed down with his own son in the front row. A player and a half by any standards and what a Gloucester club man'.

From 1928, when he first donned the famed Cherry and Whites jersey, "Bumps" Carpenter made 336 appearances for Gloucester. True he only managed to score seven tries during that period but that is still some record. It should be remembered that there at that time there were only approximately thirty odd games per season. Indeed, if it had not been for the intervention of the war in 1939, 'Bumps' would have been captain of Gloucester for the only time at the age of forty.

He also played in well over fifty County Championship games for Gloucestershire when County rugby was at its peak, including being on the winning side in five County Finals - a record he was justifably very proud of. It says much for the fitness, stamina and strength of the man but then he did take a 191/2'' collar size!

Wilf Wooler, doyen of Welsh rugby, called him 'a remarkable player, a typical West Country forward and a true Gloucester club forward.' If the Forest ever does manage to produce another England international, he will have to be very good to command the respect, admiration and genuine affection given to 'Bumps' Carpenter.

A rugby legend in his own lifetime. A quiet humble man, remembered with much pride by his family and locals in Cinderford and with a sense of awe throughout the rugby world
T.H. 2001.