Alexander Obolensky
A Russian prince who became an English rugby sensation, scoring one of the sport's most famous tries on his international debut.
1916–1940 (age 24)·England international rugby union player·Birthday: February 17·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Alexander Obolensky’s story is a brief, brilliant flash of sporting aristocracy. Born in St. Petersburg to a princely Russian family, he fled the Revolution as an infant and was raised in England. At Oxford University, his blistering speed on the wing made him a rugby star. His legend was forged in a single afternoon in 1936 at Twickenham. Playing for England against the formidable All Blacks, 'Obo' scored two tries, the second a breathtaking, length-of-the-field dash that remains one of the most replayed moments in rugby history. He became an instant celebrity, the 'Flying Prince,' symbolizing a romantic, dashing era of sport. His life was tragically cut short at 24 when he died in a Royal Air Force training accident during the Second World War, cementing his status as a youthful, eternal sporting icon.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Alexander was born in 1916, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alexander Was Born
The biggest hits of 1916
#1 Movie
Intolerance
Alexander's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1916Born
The Battle of the Somme claims over a million casualties
President: Woodrow Wilson
1921Started school
First commercial radio broadcasts
President: Warren G. Harding"My Man" — Fanny Brice
1929Became a teenager
Wall Street crashes, triggering the Great Depression
Gas: $0.21/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Singin' in the Rain" — Cliff EdwardsBest Picture: The Broadway Melody
1932Could drive
Amelia Earhart flies solo across the Atlantic
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Night and Day" — Fred AstaireBest Picture: Grand Hotel
1934Could vote
Gas: $0.19/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stars Fell on Alabama" — Jack TeagardenBest Picture: It Happened One Night
1937Turned 21
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1940Died at 24
The Blitz: Germany bombs London
Gas: $0.18/galHome: $2,938Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"I'll Never Smile Again" — Tommy DorseyBest Picture: Rebecca
Key Achievements
- He scored two tries, including a legendary 80-yard solo effort, on his England debut against New Zealand in 1936.
- He was capped four times for England, scoring a total of six tries.
- He played for Leicester Tigers and the Barbarians invitational side.
- His try against New Zealand is consistently ranked among the greatest in rugby history.
Did You Know?
He was a Rurikid prince, meaning his lineage traced back to the founders of the Russian state.
He became a naturalized British citizen just weeks before his famous England debut.
He joined the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve and trained as a pilot.
A stand at Leicester Tigers' stadium and a road near Twickenham are named in his honor.
“I just put my head down and ran for the line.”
