Frank Reginald Adams
Frank Adams was a rugby union international who represented England from 1875 to 1879. He also captained his country.
Early life
Frank Adams was born in 1852, the second son of Frank Adams and Ellen Straith. His father was a Major General and was the son of the former Mayor of Coventry and High Sheriff of Warwickshire, Henry Cadwallader Adams and Emma Curtis, daughter of Sir William Curtis, 1st Baronet of Cullonds Grove, the former Member of Parliament for the City of London, Lord Mayor famed for the definition of the 3Rs as "reading, 'riting, and 'rithmetic". The Adams possession of the family seat at Anstey dated back to 1799 with Burke's Peerage detailing the family lineage back as far as the Rev. Simon Adams, Rector of Aston Le Walls 1627 to 1673, himself the son of Simon AdamsFrank's siblings were his older brother William Ormond, and four younger siblings, Howard Cadwallader, Ellen Georgina, Emma Catherine, and Mary Beatrice. He was educated at Wellington College, a younger co-student of another England rugby captain Henry Lawrence.
Rugby union career
Adams played his club rugby for Richmond F.C. and made his international debut on 15 February 1875 at The Oval in the England vs Ireland match. The pitch was described as a quagmire and Adams was one of nine new caps to earn a victory in front of 3000 spectators. In total it took Adams four years to earn his seven caps and he was on the winning side on four occasions.He played his final two matches for England as captain, drawing with Scotland and then on 24 March 1879 at The Oval beating Ireland. After retiring from international rugby he continued to play for Richmond and was a member of the unbeaten 1886–87 team led by Edward Temple Gurdon. He was described as "a valuable player by reason of his weight strength and vigorous following up". Notably, Adams was playing first team rugby football in both the 20-aside and 15-aside eras of the game.