Nicholls was universally recognised as the outstanding back of his time and a great thinker about the game, both technically and tactically.

Scorer of 111 tries in 242 appearances for Cardiff, Nicholls won 24 caps for Wales (1896-1906) and captained the side to six Triple Crowns and victory against the 1905 touring ‘Original’ All Blacks. 

Three years after his Wales debut, Nicholls was selected as the only player from his country to tour Australia with the 1899 Lions. The talented centre played in all four tests, scoring two tries and set up four others as the Lions recovered from an opening test defeat to win 3-1.

After he retired in 1909, Nicholls was a selector for the Welsh Rugby Union. Gates were erected at the entrance of Cardiff Arms Park in 1949 to commemorate his achievements for club and country.