Les Cupples

Leslie Frank Cupples MM (8 February 1898 – 10 August 1972) was a New Zealand rugby union player. A loose forward, Cupples represented Bay of Plenty at a provincial level, and was a member of the New Zealand national side, the All Blacks, from 1922 to 1925. He played 29 matches for the All Blacks including two internationals, scoring six tries in all.[1]

Les Cupples
Birth nameLeslie Frank Cupples
Date of birth(1898-02-08)8 February 1898
Place of birthOtautau, New Zealand
Date of death10 August 1972(1972-08-10) (aged 74)
Place of deathHamilton, New Zealand
Height1.91 m (6 ft 3 in)
Weight89 kg (196 lb)
Occupation(s)Farmer
Rugby union career
Position(s) Loose forward
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1920–23 Bay of Plenty 6 ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1922–25 New Zealand 2 (0)
Leslie Frank Cupples passport application (1924)

Cupples was almost certainly the only member of the Exclusive Brethren sect to play for the All Blacks.

During World War I, Cupples served with the New Zealand Medical Corps in Egypt and on the Western Front, rising to the rank of corporal. He was attached to the No. 2 Field Ambulance, and in 1917 was awarded the Military Medal.[1][2][3]

Cupples farmed on Cambridge Rd near Hanlin Rd. He was particularly proud of his belted Galloway cattle.

Cupples died in Hamilton on 10 August 1972,[1] and was buried at Hautapu Cemetery, Cambridge.[4]

References

  1. Luxford, Bob. "Les Cupples". New Zealand Rugby Union. Retrieved 28 January 2017.
  2. "Cupples, Frank Leslie – WW1 3/2011 – Army". Archives New Zealand. Retrieved 28 January 2017.
  3. "Corporal Leslie Cupples wins the Military Medal". Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle. 30 October 1917. p. 3. Retrieved 28 January 2017.
  4. "Cemetery database record for Frank Leslie Cupples". Waipa District Council. Retrieved 28 January 2017.


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