If ever a comet blazed across the Rugby Football firmament of Hartlepool and left a trail of light which will ever remain visible,without being unmindful of other "great uns",surely this distinction will be the prerogative of Bob Oakes.

After a couple of seasons at Hartlepool Trinity he joined Rovers in 1890, making a forceful impression that at 19 he was a member of the county side. His chief asset was his infectious enthusiasm for the game, to give his all and never spare himself for the sake of the side, urging them to follow his insatiable desire for success. Bob Oakes was Rovers' seventh international and sixth to to be honoured by inclusion in the Barbarians' side.