William Stepney Rawson (14 October 1854 – 4 November 1932) was a footballer who played at full back for England, and was also an FA Cup Final referee.[1]
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Rawson was born in Cape Town, South Africa and attended Westminster School, representing the school at "soccer" in 1872 and 1873, becoming captain in his final year.[2] He then went up to Oxford University, winning a "blue" in four consecutive years, from 1874 to 1877.
He became the first African born player to appear in an FA Cup final[3] when played in the 1874 FA Cup Final for Oxford University - in the match, played against the Royal Engineers at the Kennington Oval on 14 March 1874, the University were the victors by 2 goals to 0. His brother Herbert played for the opposition.[4]
He made his debut for the England football team on 6 March 1875 again at The Oval, in a game against Scotland, which finished 2-2. His brother Herbert won his only cap alongside him in this fixture.[5] This was the first occasion on which two brothers played for England in the same match.[6]
As a referee, he was awarded the 1876 FA Cup Final between the Wanderers and Old Etonians, also at the The Oval, which was undecided when the first match ended 1-1 after extra time on 11 March 1876. Wanderers eventually triumphed 3-0 in the replay on 18 March 1876.[7]
On 3 March 1877, he was honoured with the captaincy of the international side, once more against Scotland, and once again at The Oval, in a match which the Scots won 3-1.[8] He collected just the two international caps for his adopted country.[9]
He was on the losing side in the 1877 FA Cup Final - the match at The Oval on 24 March was won by the Wanderers by 2 goals to 1 against Oxford University.[10]
During his career he also played for Old Westminsters F.C. and Wanderers.[1] He served on the FA committee from 1876 to 1877 and again in 1879.[2]
| Preceded by C. W. Alcock |
FA Cup Final Referee 1876 |
Succeeded by S. H. Wright |