Robert Thompson (rugby, born 1869)

Robert Thompson (11 January 1869 – 5 February 1952) was an Irish rugby union forward who was a member of the British Isles XV that toured South Africa in 1891. Thompson fought for the British Army during the World War as a captain in the Royal Irish Regiment

Robert Thompson

Birth name	Robert Thompson
Date of birth	11 January 1869
Place of birth	Muckamore, Ireland
Date of death	5 February 1952(1952-02-05) (aged 83)
Place of death	County Antrim, Northern Ireland
School	King William's College, Isle of Man Cheltenham College
University	Pembroke College, Cambridge
Rugby union career
Position(s) Forward Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) Cambridge University R.U.F.C. () International career Years Team Apps (Points) 1891 British Isles XV 3 (0)
Military career
Allegiance	United Kingdom
Service / branch	British Army
Rank	Captain
Unit	Royal Irish Regiment
Battles / wars	World War I

Personal history

Thompson was born at Muckamore Abbey, Muckamore in County Antrim, to Samuel Thompson, who was originally from Cheltenham. Thompson was educated King William's College on the Isle of Man and, later, at Cheltenham College; he was later accepted into Pembroke College, Cambridge in 1888. Thompson gained his Bachelor of Arts in 1891. He married Margaretta Louise Trench on 24 January 1911. During the First World War he became a captain in the 11th Royal Irish Regiment and was Mentioned in Despatches. Thompson became a Justice of the Peace in County Antrim, and died in 1952.

Rugby career

Thompson came to note as a rugby player when he represented Cambridge University, gaining a sporting 'Blue' in The Varsity Match of 1890. After completing his university education he was invited to join the British Isles team on its tour of South Africa. Thompson was a constant member of the British Isles team, missing just a single game of the tour. He played in 16 of the 17 regional teams scoring seven tries in these encounters, his best result being two tries in the victory over Eastern Province on 28 July. Thompson played in all three Tests against the South African team, all of which the British team won.

References

• Griffiths, John (1987). The Phoenix Book of International Rugby Records. London: Phoenix House. ISBN 0-460-07003-7.