William Bulmer

Sir James William Bulmer (8 August 1881 – 26 June 1936) was an English public servant and professional rugby league footballer. He played rugby league in the 1900s for Halifax as a forward and represented England in the first ever international rugby league game in 1904. Background Bulmer was born in Halifax, West Riding of Yorkshire, England, during the World War I, Bulmer was a public servant, and served on the Wool Textile Control Board, and the Wool Statistical Committee. Bulmer was knighted in 1922 as recognition for his public services. and he died aged 54 in Bradford, West Riding of Yorkshire, England. Rugby career Bulmer signed for Halifax in 1901 and played in two Challenge Cup finals for the club. The first was in Halifax's 7–0 victory over Salford in the 1902–03 Challenge Cup Final at Headingley Rugby Stadium, Leeds on Saturday 25 April 1903, in front of a crowd of 32,507. The following year he played in the 8–3 victory over Warrington in the 1903–04 Challenge Cup Final at The Willows, Salford on Saturday 30 April 1904, in front of a crowd of 17,041. In 1902 he was selected to play for Yorkshire in the County Championship and played one match in the 1902–03 season and a further three in the 1903–04 season.