Frank Whitcombe Jr

Frank Whitcombe Jr
Frank Whitcombe Jr
Born	21 July 1936 (age 90); Withington, Manchester, England
Died	2009
Occupation(s)	Rugby union player, publican
Years active	1950s–1970s
Known for	Rugby union prop for Bradford RFC, Keighley RUFC, Yorkshire, Army Rugby Union

Adapted from the English Wikipedia article Frank Whitcombe Jr, available under CC BY-SA 4.0Updated 11 August 2025

Frank William Whitcombe (21 July 1936 – 2009) was a rugby union player whose career spanned from the 1950s through to the 1970s. Operating as a prop, he represented Bradford RFC, Keighley RUFC, Northern Command, and the Army Rugby Union, while also playing for Yorkshire and the North Eastern counties.

Early life

Frank was born on 21 July 1936 in Withington, Manchester. He was the son of Frank Whitcombe senior, a professional rugby league athlete originally from Cardiff. Senior turned professional in 1935 when he signed with Broughton Rangers for £100, most of which was used to secure his release from the Army. He subsequently transferred to Bradford Northern in 1938 for a world record fee and retired in 1949 after an illustrious playing career.

The family relocated to Bradford, settling close to Odsal Stadium. Frank junior attended Buttershaw St Paul's Church of England Primary School followed by Grange Boys' Grammar School before commencing an apprenticeship in electrical work and completing his National Service.

Rugby career at Bradford RFC

Both Frank Whitcombe (329 matches) and his brother Brian (174 matches) started their rugby journey at Sedbergh Boys' Club playing junior rugby league before transitioning to Bradford RFC. Under the mentorship of second team captain David Firth, they rapidly progressed to the first team—Frank made his debut at age 16 as a prop forward like his father, while Brian debuted at 17 as a back row forward.

Frank established a formidable front row partnership with hooker Peter Crowther and tight head prop Peter Harrison that lasted twelve years. He captained Bradford RFC for two seasons and was instrumental in the team’s 1966 Yorkshire Cup victory against Harrogate at Cross Green, Otley.

Owing to frequent away fixtures in London versus clubs such as Wasps and Midlands sides including Coventry and Leicester Tigers, Frank later opted to join Keighley RUFC where he also took on captaincy duties. After stepping down from first-team rugby, he led Keighley’s second team for multiple seasons and was honoured with life membership of the club.

Leading Bradford RFC appearances

Peter V Crowther 414 Mike Dixon 369 Frank W Whitcombe 329 Jim Golby 318 David S Lightowler 275 Phil Carter 255 Roger Pickering 255 Geoff Cooke 244 Foss Howard 235

Representative achievements

At just 17 years old, Frank Whitcombe earned his first cap for Yorkshire as a prop forward, accumulating 31 appearances in the County Championship, including the 1963 final defeat by Warwickshire at Coundon Road, Coventry. In that same year, he served as a reserve in England’s final trial match held at Twickenham. He also represented North Eastern Counties in their encounter against the touring New Zealand All Blacks in 1964 and played a key role in Bradford's successful 1966 Yorkshire Cup campaign.

During his National Service with the Royal Corps of Signals, Whitcombe played for the Army Rugby Union side and earned a cap in the match against the Royal Navy at Twickenham; however, he was unable to participate due to his father’s passing.

Captain's gesture

In the 1966 Yorkshire Cup final, Bradford’s strong team ethos was exemplified when captain Frank Whitcombe, having recently recovered from injury, insisted that Mike Dixon continue as captain. Dixon led the squad to their first cup victory in over four decades, sharing the honour of lifting the trophy with Whitcombe—a testament to their effective leadership and camaraderie.

Distinguished Family Members

Frank Whitcombe Jr was the son of Frank Whitcombe, a Great Britain rugby league international, and the nephew of footballer George Whitcombe. His own son, Martin Whitcombe, played as a prop for England 'B' and Leicester Tigers. Additionally, Frank Jr was the son-in-law of Thomas Cockcroft, former scrum half for Keighley rugby league, and brother-in-law to winger William Cockcroft. His grandson, James Whitcombe (born 2000), is a prop who represents England Under-20s and is part of Leicester Tigers’ Development Squad.

Post-Rugby Career

Following the passing of his father on 17 January 1958, Frank was released from military service on compassionate grounds to assist with managing the family-owned establishment, The Airedale Heifer pub located in Sandbeds, Keighley. He worked there alongside his mother and wife Mollie. On 24 January 1961, Frank married Mollie Cockcroft at Holy Trinity Church in Lawkholme, Keighley. At the ceremony, Trevor Foster MBE stood in for Frank’s deceased father.

The couple successfully ran the pub for close to three decades before relocating to East Morton in 1981. After retiring from business, Frank devoted his time to family life and enjoyed walking in the Yorkshire Dales.

Frank Whitcombe passed away in 2009 at his home in East Morton at age 73 after a brief illness. His funeral at St Luke's Church was attended to full capacity, with former teammate Rodney Childs serving as one of the pallbearers. The eulogy was delivered by Dean Richards MBE. Notably, just a week prior to his death, Frank was observed supporting Keighley RUFC from the sidelines.

Recognition at Keighley RUFC

Frank Whitcombe became part of Keighley RUFC during the 1967–68 season, taking on the role of first team captain after E D Thomas. He captained the side for four seasons until 1970–71.

In 1971, he transitioned to vice captain under Kevin McGee for three seasons before assuming the position of honorary trainer from 1974 through 1977; John Longbottom succeeded him in this role. Whitcombe held life membership status with Keighley RUFC.

Following his playing career, he dedicated over 15 years coaching the Keighley Colts (Under-19) team and remained an active presence supporting matches from the touchline.

On 29 August 2010, in honor of his enduring impact—particularly in nurturing young talent—Keighley RUFC named their main stand the "Frank Whitcombe Stand." This dedication occurred following a fixture against Skipton RFC, coached by his son Martin, with Mrs Mollie Whitcombe officiating the naming ceremony.

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