Les Cupples

{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2017}}

{{Use New Zealand English|date=January 2017}}

{{Infobox rugby biography

| name = Les Cupples

| image = Leslie Frank Cupples passport photo.jpg

| caption =

| nickname =

| birth_name = Leslie Frank Cupples

| birth_date = {{Birth date|1898|02|08|df=yes}}

| birth_place = Otautau, New Zealand

| death_place = Hamilton, New Zealand

| death_date = {{Death date and age|1972|08|10|1898|02|08|df=yes}}

| ru_position = Loose forward

| height = {{convert|1.91|m|ftin|0|abbr=on}}

| weight = {{convert|89|kg|lb|abbr=on}}

| repteam1 = {{nrut|New Zealand}}

| repyears1 = 1922–25

| repcaps1 = 2

| reppoints1 = 0

| ru_province1 = {{Rut|Bay of Plenty}}

| ru_provinceyears1 = 1920–23

| ru_provinceapps1 = 6

| ru_provincepoints1 =

| occupation = Farmer

| family =

| spouse =

| children =

| relatives =

| school =

| university =

}}

File:Leslie_Frank_Cupples_passport_application.jpg

Leslie Frank Cupples {{post-nominals|country=NZL|MM|size=85%}} (8 February 1898 – 10 August 1972) was a New Zealand rugby union player. A loose forward, Cupples represented {{Rut|Bay of Plenty}} at a provincial level, and was a member of the New Zealand national side, the All Blacks, from 1922 to 1925. He played 29 matches for the All Blacks including two internationals, scoring six tries in all.{{cite web| url = http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/Profile.asp?ABID=200 |title = Les Cupples | last = Luxford | first = Bob | publisher = New Zealand Rugby Union | accessdate = 28 January 2017}}

Cupples was almost certainly the only member of the Exclusive Brethren sect to play for the All Blacks. He married Miriel Ann Robertson in Rotorua on 8 December 1925, a Tuesday. (Members of the Exclusive Brethren faith are required to only be married on Tuesdays).

During World War I, Cupples served with the New Zealand Medical Corps in Egypt and on the Western Front, rising to the rank of corporal. He was attached to the No. 2 Field Ambulance, and in 1917 was awarded the Military Medal.{{cite web |url=http://ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServlet?dps_pid=IE9961696 |title=Cupples, Frank Leslie – WW1 3/2011 – Army |date= |website= |publisher=Archives New Zealand |accessdate=28 January 2017}}{{cite news | url=https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/OSWCC19171030.2.15 | title=Corporal Leslie Cupples wins the Military Medal | date=30 October 1917 | work=Otautau Standard and Wallace County Chronicle | accessdate=28 January 2017 | page=3}}

Cupples farmed on Cambridge Rd near Hanlin Rd. He was particularly proud of his belted Galloway cattle.

Cupples died in Hamilton on 10 August 1972, and was buried at Hautapu Cemetery, Cambridge.{{cite web |url=http://rid.waipadc.govt.nz/cemetery/cemetery_record_view.php?id=975 |title=Cemetery database record for Frank Leslie Cupples |date= |website= |publisher=Waipa District Council |accessdate=28 January 2017}}