Stadden made his début for Wales against Ireland in 1884 under the captaincy of Joe Simpson in the Home Nations Championship.

Stadden scored a drop goal on his début and along with tries from William Norton and Tom Clapp, gave Wales their first win on Welsh soil.

[6] Stadden's next two matches for Wales were against Ireland as part of the 1887 Championship, partnered with John Goulstone Lewis, and Scotland in 1888 with Cardiff team-mate Jem Evans; both were Welsh wins.

Under the captaincy of Frank Hill, Stadden partnered Charlie Thomas in a Welsh win over the Māori team.

On Christmas night 1906 Stadden strangled his wife in their bed, with five children and a lodger asleep on the premises, before attempting suicide by cutting his throat.