[2] Gwynn made his first club appearance for Swansea in 1878 and in 1882 he was part of the third Welsh national team.

Gwynn found himself on the losing side for a second time and was forced to wait another three years before his was selected to play for his country again.

When Gwynn was reselected he was chosen to face England as part of the 1890 Championship, which saw Wales beat the English for the very first time, thanks to a try from William Stadden.

Gwynn moved north and played for Oldham during this period,[6] though continued to turn out for Swansea when he could.

He was joined at Oldham by William McCutcheon who not only played for Swansea, but also represented Lancashire with Gwynn at county level.