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Arthur Smith

1933 – 1975

Scottish rugby union footballer

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About Arthur Smith

Lived 1933 – 1975 (aged 42). Arthur Smith was a British rugby union player.

Arthur Robert Smith (23 January 1933 – 3 February 1975) was a Scotland international rugby union player. He played as a Wing.

Rugby Union career

Amateur career

Originally from Castle Douglas in Kirkcudbrightshire in Scotland, he graduated in mathematics at Glasgow University and then gained a PhD at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge.

Smith played for a number of sides including Glasgow University, Cambridge University, London Scottish F C, Gosforth, Ebbw Vale, Edinburgh Wanderers and Barbarians FC (the latter on their famous 1957 Easter tour of Wales, when they beat Cardiff RFC 40–0). He won 33 caps for Scotland and was never dropped until his retirement in 1962, although he did miss some matches due to injury. He also became Scotland's captain, which is a rare honour for a winger.

Sadly, Arthur Smith died of cancer less than ten years after playing his last international.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
University of Glasgow, Gonville and Caius College, Kirkcudbright Academy
Also known as
Arthur Robert Smith

People in Arthur Smith's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Arthur Smith's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Arthur Smith?

Scottish rugby union footballer (1933-1975)

When was Arthur Smith born?

Arthur Smith was born on 23 January 1933 in Castle Douglas.

When did Arthur Smith die?

Arthur Smith died on 3 February 1975 in Edinburgh.

What was Arthur Smith's occupation?

Arthur Smith was a rugby union player.

What nationality was Arthur Smith?

Arthur Smith was British.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Arthur Smith

· Wikidata: Q2865345

· DBpedia: Arthur Smith (rugby union)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Arthur Smith. https://biography.guide/arthur-smith-rugby-union-player/

MLA: "Arthur Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/arthur-smith-rugby-union-player/.

Chicago: "Arthur Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/arthur-smith-rugby-union-player/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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