David John Bickle OBE (born 21 August 1970) is a British chartered accountant and former rugby union player.[1]

David Bickle
Full nameDavid John Bickle
Date of birth (1970-08-21) 21 August 1970 (age 53)
Place of birthEdinburgh, Scotland
Height6 ft 8 in (203 cm)
UniversityDurham University
University of Birmingham
Cambridge University
Occupation(s)Chartered accountant
Rugby union career
Position(s) Lock
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1996 Japan 6 (5)

Biography edit

Born in Edinburgh, Scotland, Bickle was a 6 ft 8 in lock forward who played his early rugby in England, appearing for Wasps, Moseley and Cambridge University.[2] He won a Cambridge blue in the 1992 Varsity Match and after completing his degree moved to Japan to work and play rugby for Kobe Steel.[3][4] In 1996, Bickle was capped six times by the Japan national team. He continued competing with Kobe Steel until 1999.[5]

Bickle served as president of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan from 2014 to 2022.[6] He was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the 2021 New Year Honours for services to UK/Japan relations.[7]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ Thomas, Beatrice (13 June 2015). "David Bickle: 'Never be afraid to ask (people) questions'". The Japan Times.
  2. ^ "Coventry forced to blood Masterson". The Birmingham Post. 14 February 1992.
  3. ^ "Olympians and Internationals" (PDF). Hawks' Club. October 2017. p. 12. Retrieved 31 March 2024.
  4. ^ "Oxford Blue For Moseley Lock". Black Country Evening Mail. 1 December 1992.
  5. ^ Wortley, Kathryn (16 September 2023). "Rugby turns 200: A history of the sport in Japan". The Japan Times.
  6. ^ "Reflections of Former BCCJ President David Bickle". British Chamber of Commerce in Japan. 15 December 2022.
  7. ^ "David Bickle". www.thegazette.co.uk.

External links edit