Denis ‘Dave’ Cowper

Rugby Union

Dave Cowper was born and grew up in Mosman where he showed early talent in cricket, rugby and athletics.

He had a brief spell for Northern Suburbs when he left school, but moved to Melbourne in 1929 where he played rugby for Victoria and was a top cricketer with Hawthorn.

In 1931 he played for Australia against New Zealand, scoring one try.

He played 9 Tests for Australia, taking over as captain in 1933 in South After when team mate and captain Dr Alec Ross was operated on for appendicitis during the tour.

In 1932 he tried out for selection for the 1932 Olympic Games for the 100 metres sprint, missing out by one place.

After he retired he became an Australian selector and was assistant manager and coach of the Wallaby side for the tour of Britain and France in 1957-58. His son Bob Cowper was a successful Australian Test cricketer.