The late 19th century was a messy period for international rugby. In 1888 and 1889, England were barred from entering the home championship because of their refusal to accept the newly formed International Board, while in August 1895 the Northern Rugby League was formed after an argument in England over whether rugby players should be paid. Then came the Arthur Gould affair. Gould was Wales's star man of the era and in 1897, towards the end of his career, the centre was presented with a house as reward for his efforts for Welsh rugby.

Even though the Welsh Rugby Union had not directly organised the gift, both Ireland and Scotland saw the handover of the property as an act of professionalism and refused to play Wales that year. The dispute was only solved when the player retired.