Charles William Sherrard, RE (25 December 1848 – 1938) was a British Army officer and rugby union international who represented England from 1871 to 1872. Additionally, along with Lieutenant Charles Arthur Crompton RE, he was the first member of the armed forces to represent their national side.
Contents
Early life
Charles Sherrard was born on 25 December 1848 in London, the son of James Corry Sherrard, Esq. of Reigate. He attended Rugby School, and was a member of Hutchinson House, leaving in 1865.
Rugby union career
Sherrard played for Blackheath F.C., an open membership club originally set up for the old boys of Blackheath Proprietary School, which by the time Sherrard was playing was dominated by old boys from Rugby School, amongst whom was counted Sherrard himself. He was selected for the very first international in 1871, alongside his club captain Frederick Stokes and fellow Royal Engineer Charles Crompton. He made his international debut on 27 March 1871 at Edinburgh in the Scotland and England match. Scotland won that match but Sherrard was also involved in the return match on 5 February 1872 at The Oval which England won.