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]
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| Birth name | Leslie Frank Cupples | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 8 February 1898 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Otautau, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of death | 10 August 1972 (aged 74) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of death | Hamilton, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.91 m (6 ft 3 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 89 kg (196 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation(s) | Farmer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 edit
- ^ a b c Luxford, Bob. "Les Cupples". New Zealand Rugby Union. Retrieved 28 January 2017.
- ^ "Cupples, Frank Leslie – WW1 3/2011 – Army". Archives New Zealand. Retrieved 28 January 2017.
- ^ "Corporal Leslie Cupples wins the Military Medal". Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle. 30 October 1917. p. 3. Retrieved 28 January 2017.
- ^ "Cemetery database record for Frank Leslie Cupples". Waipa District Council. Retrieved 28 January 2017.
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