Gipsy by birth

October 5, 1899
Rab Howell, of Liverpool, a gipsy by birth, perhaps owes some of his inexhaustible vitality to his lucky parentage. Certain it is that no man is more untiring. In his right hand position this light weight player (9st. 12lbs.) always excels. He rejoices at meeting the best of forward wings, and should the outside man indulge in dribbling he sticks to him like a leech. Many duels have I seen between him and Fred Spiksley, and generally Howell has come off best. Unfortunately he is a little too fond of keeping the ball too long, and loses many opportunities.
(Royal Cornwall Gazette: October 5, 1899)