Anthony Lefroy Henniker‑Gotley (2 March 1887 – 4 May 1972) was an English rugby union player who earned six caps for the England national team between 1910 and 1911 and captained the side on one occasion. He also toured with the Combined British (the forerunner of the British & Irish Lions) on their 1910 tour of Argentina.
Early life and education
Born in Tysoe, Warwickshire, Henniker‑Gotley was the son of the Rev. George Henniker Gotley, MA. He attended West Downs School and Tonbridge School, where he excelled in cricket and rugby. He later studied at the University of Oxford, receiving a rugby Blue in 1909.
Rugby union career
- Club level: Played as a scrum‑half for Oxford University RFC, Blackheath FC, and represented Barbarian FC. He also played county rugby for Surrey and Kent.
- International level: Made his England debut on 3 March 1910 against France at Parc des Princes. He earned six caps, winning four matches, and captained England in his final appearance on 18 March 1911 against Scotland at Twickenham.
- British & Irish Lions: Selected for the Combined British side that toured Argentina in 1910, participating in the sole international match against the host nation.
Career outside sport
After moving to Rhodesia in 1911, Henniker‑Gotley served in the North Rhodesia Police during World I and subsequently as a political officer in Tanganyika (1918–1923). Called to the Bar in 1923, he became District Commissioner in Tanganyika (1923–1926). He later entered business in Durban (1926–1933) and served as bursar and assistant master at St Columba’s College, Dublin (1934–1936). During World II he held various positions in the Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve, attaining the rank of Squadron Leader.
Personal life
Married Nora McMaster on 2 June 1923; she was the daughter of Test cricketer Emile McMaster and sister of first‑class cricketer Michael McMaster. Henniker‑Gotley died on 4 May 1972 in Torbay, England, aged 85.
Sources: Wikipedia article “Anthony Henniker‑Gotley” (accessed via Jina AI mirror).