James Howe McClure

James Howe McClure was a Scottish rugby football player and along with his brother George [Buchanan McClure], has the distinction of being the first twin to be capped in international rugby.

Early life

James Howe McClure was born on 8 July 1851 in the Barony district of Glasgow, the son of James Howe McClure and Grace. He was one of twins, his brother George Buchanan McClure deemed to have been born second. They were the fifth and sixth children of James and Grace. His father remarried in 1872 to Charlotte Russell, sister of the Welsh entrepreneur James Cholmeley Russell.

Rugby career

James played his club rugby for West of Scotland FC. He was capped once for in 1872. His twin brother, George Buchanan McClure, was also capped for Scotland in the next year, making them the first twins to be capped in international rugby – the only other twins to be capped for Scotland are Finlay and Jim [Calder (rugby union)|Jim Calder].

Personal life

James married Ellen Mary Collier on 29 October 1884. They had five children: Grace Buchanan ; George Buchanan ; Ellen May ; William Francis Campbell ; and James Howe. James died in 1909, outliving his twin by 21 years.