In 1879 Teddy Bartram became the first definite example of a rugby player being paid, he received money from Wakefield Trinity for travel expenses, etc. These were an open secret in the north of England but, at that time the RFU had no laws relating to amateurism and professionalism, since the issue had never arisen. The Yorkshire Rugby Football Union moved quickly in 1879 and copied the Marylebone Cricket Club's laws relating to the definition of a (cricketing) amateur. These were the first laws relating to amateurism in any football code. Consequently, Wakefield Trinity created an Assistant Secretary role for Teddy Bartram with an annual salary of £52 (based on increases in average earnings, this would be approximately £23,170 in 2017).[3] The Rugby Football Union did not provide national rules on professionalism until 1886. Teddy Bartram was banned from rugby union for life in 1889, he moved to North East England, and later Edinburgh, to play, coach, and umpire cricket.[4]
Personal life
Bartram was married in 1895 in Newcastle district.[5]