Springbok no. 41 · Full Back
Davey Cope
David Gill Cope · Lions
1Tests
0Tries
0Tours
19Age at debut
Test career
1896
First test
22 Aug 1896, age 19 · Full Back v Britain, Wanderers (Old Wanderers), Johannesburg
Biography
Davey Cope kicked the first goal ever scored by South Africa in a Test. Making his debut at fullback against the 1896 British Isles side in Johannesburg, only days after his 19th birthday, he converted a try in an 8–17 defeat.
Born in Kimberley on 14 August 1877 and educated at Diocesan College (Bishops), he moved to Johannesburg, played rugby for Transvaal and was also a talented cricketer. He was killed in a train crash at Mostert’s Hoek on 16 August 1898 while travelling to the Currie Cup tournament, just two days after turning 21.
Test history
1 tests · 2 points| Date | Opponent | Venue | Position | Result | Province |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 22 Aug 1896 |  Britain | Wanderers (Old Wanderers), Johannesburg | Full Back | L 8–17 | Lions |