Eddie Dowdall

Edward "Eddie" George Dowdall (16 August 1905 – March 1968) was a Welsh rugby player who competed in both rugby union and professional rugby league during the 1920s and 1930s. Born and raised in Newport, Wales, he played club-level rugby union for Newport RFC as a scrum-half and later transitioned to rugby league, joining Wigan in 1927 and St. Helens in 1929. His signing fees and transfer costs were substantial for the time, reflecting his talent.

Dowdall participated in several notable matches, including Newport RFC's loss to New Zealand during the 1924–25 tour and a draw against the New Zealand Māori team in 1926. In rugby league, he made his debut for Wigan as a stand-off in 1927 and later joined St. Helens as a scrum-half, scoring his only try in a match against York in November 1929. He played his final game for St. Helens in January 1930.

Dowdall's personal life included marriage to Ada E. Newman around 1929. There were speculations that he might have been the nephew of Fred Dowdall, a rugby union player from the 1880s who also played for Newport RFC. His career and life are documented in various historical records and statistical sources.