| Full name | David Gill Cope | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | 14 August 1877 | ||
| Place of birth | Kimberley, South Africa | ||
| Date of death | 16 August 1898 (aged 21) | ||
| Place of death | Mostert's Hoek, South Africa | ||
| School | Diocesan College | ||
| Rugby union career | |||
| Playing career | |||
| Position | Fullback | ||
| Provincial/State sides | |||
| Years | Club / team | Caps | (points) |
| Transvaal | |||
| correct as of 19 July 2010. | |||
| National team(s) | |||
| Years | Club / team | Caps | (points) |
| 1896 | South Africa | 1 | (2) |
| correct as of 19 July 2010. | |||
David Gill "Davey" Cope (14 August 1877 – 16 August 1898) was a South African international rugby union player.
Born in Kimberley, he attended Diocesan College before playing provincial rugby for Transvaal (now known as the Golden Lions).
He made his only Test appearance for South Africa during Great Britain's 1896 tour. He played as a fullback in the 2nd Test of the series, an 8–17 South Africa loss at the Wanderers Ground.[1] During the match he became the first South African to kick a goal in a Test after converting Theo Samuels's try.
In addition to his rugby career, Cope was also a good enough cricketer to make first-class appearances for the Transvaal cricket team.[2]
Cope died in 1898 at the age of 21, after he was involved in a train crash at Mostert’s Hoek on his way to a Currie Cup match.[3]