Edward Fraser

Sir Edward Cleather Fraser KCMG (1853 - 1927) was a rugby union international who represented England in 1875 and prominent Mauritius based businessman.

Early life and career

Edward Cleather Fraser was born on April 2, 1853, in Burnside, Mauritius.

In 1902, Fraser became a Member of the Council of the Government of Mauritius and in 1912 was appointed a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George. He was also the island's consul for Sweden, a director the Bank of Mauritius, a member of the Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Railway Board and he became President of the Meteorological Society.

Edward and Mary had three children all born in London: Elsie Georgina Fraser (born 1883); Marjory Harriet Fraser (born 1886); and a son, James Howie Fraser (born 1888). Mary, Edward's wife, died in 1901 at Saxingham Hall, Norwich, Norfolk with all three children still in their teens. James was educated at Rugby School and after a short time in Canada returned to serve with the Gordon Highlanders in World War One. He was killed in action on 30 October 1914, at Ypres, Western Front October 1914 and was posthumously Mentioned in Dispatches.

In 1923, Edward Cleather Fraser was promoted to knighthood within the order of St Michael and St George. He died on 15 October 1927 in Norfolk.

Rugby union career

Fraser played rugby at Blackheath Proprietary School, a school that was both a founder of the Football Association and whose old boys club Blackheath Football Club was a founder of the Rugby Football Union. He played for Merton College in 1872 and went on to play for Oxford University in 1873 to 1875. He played in the second ever Varsity Match in 1873 and was also a member of the side in 1875 which was the first to take place with the reduced squad of fifteen players (from twenty previously). After representing the South of England in the North v South International Trial at The Oval he was selected to play for England in their first ever match against Ireland at The Oval on February 19, 1875. Despite Fraser missing a place kick, England won by 2 goals and a try to nil Before returning to Mauritius, Fraser played for Blackheath Football Club.