Dobson found work as a young man as a coal trimmer in Cardiff Docks, a typical hard-working manual job that was popular in Welsh rugby clubs in their forward players.

Dobson saw his brother join Cardiff Rugby Club followed by national selection for Wales in 1898.

Dobson followed his brother with a place in the Cardiff team before he himself was chosen by the Welsh selectors to face Scotland, as part of the 1900 Home Nations Championship.

Wales had won the opening match against England, and Dobson was brought in to replace Dick Hellings who was unavailable.

Dobson suffered from long periods of ill health dying in his late 40s in 1917.