Richard Cattell (1871–1948) was a rugby union international who represented England from 1895 to 1900,[1] and also captained his country.[1] He was also a priest in the Church of England.
Early life
Richard Cattell was born on 23 March 1871 in Erdington.[1] He was educated at Trinity College, Stratford-upon-Avon and Exeter College, Oxford. He was a rugby blue in 1893.
Rugby union career
Cattell played two games for Leicester Tigers on their Easter tour to Wales in 1890. He played against Cardiff and Newport on Monday 7 April 1890 and Tuesday 8 April 1890 respectively. Along with Abel Ashworth he became the first future England international to play for Leicester.[2]
Cattell made his international debut on 5 January 1895 at St Helen's, Swansea in the Wales vs England match.[1]
Of the 7 matches he played for his national side he was on the winning side on 3 occasions.[1]
He played his final match for England on 6 January 1900 at Kingsholm, Gloucester in the England vs Wales match.[1]
Ordination
He was ordained an Anglican clergyman in 1897 before becoming the vicar of St Michael, Berkhamsted. During World War I, from 1915, he served as a chaplain to the forces (4th class). From 1923 to 1928 he was rector of Watlington, Norfolk, and from 1928 served as rector of Warham, Norfolk, until his death.
