Tuppy Owen-Smith

Tuppy Owen-Smith (11 February 1909 – 21 February 1990) was a South African sportsman who played both cricket and rugby union at international levels. He was born in Rondebosch, Cape Town, and was educated at Diocesan College and later at Oxford University.

Early Life and Education

Owen-Smith attended Diocesan College in Cape Town, where he excelled in both cricket and rugby. His sporting prowess earned him a scholarship to Oxford University, where he continued to develop his skills in both sports.

Cricket Career

Owen-Smith made his debut for the South African national cricket team in 1929. He was a right-handed batsman and a right-arm medium-fast bowler. Over his career, he played in five Test matches for South Africa, scoring 199 runs and taking 4 wickets. His highest score in Test cricket was 63.

Rugby Union Career

In addition to his cricket career, Owen-Smith was also a talented rugby player. He played as a fullback for the South Africa national rugby union team, also known as the Springboks. He earned his first cap in 1933 and went on to play in four Test matches for South Africa.

Medical Career

After completing his studies at Oxford University, Owen-Smith pursued a career in medicine. He became a respected general practitioner and later specialized in sports medicine. His medical career was distinguished, and he contributed significantly to the field of sports medicine in South Africa.

Legacy

Owen-Smith is remembered as one of the few sportsmen to have represented his country in both cricket and rugby at the highest level. His contributions to sports and medicine have left a lasting impact on South African society.

See Also

• South African national cricket team
• South Africa national rugby union team
• Test cricket
• Sports medicine