About William Francis
Lived 1894 – 1981 (aged 87). William Francis was a New Zealand rugby union player.
William Charles Francis (4 February 1894 – 28 November 1981) was a New Zealand rugby union player. A hooker, Francis represented Wellington at a provincial level, and was a member of the New Zealand national side, the All Blacks, in 1913 and 1914. He played 12 matches for the All Blacks including seven internationals.
Following the death of Richard Fogarty in 1980, Francis held the distinction of being the oldest living All Black.
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Important facts
People in William Francis's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
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Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped William Francis's
Frequently asked questions
Who was William Francis?
New Zealand rugby union player (1894-1981)
When was William Francis born?
William Francis was born on 4 February 1894 in New Plymouth.
When did William Francis die?
William Francis died on 28 November 1981 in Pukekohe.
What was William Francis's occupation?
William Francis was a rugby union player.
What nationality was William Francis?
William Francis was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: Bill Francis (rugby union)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Francis. https://biography.guide/william-francis/
MLA: "William Francis." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-francis/.
Chicago: "William Francis." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-francis/.
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