Fran Cotton

Rugger
name = Fran Cotton


caption =
birthname = Francis Edward Cotton
nickname =
dateofbirth = birth date and age|1947|1|3|df=yes
placeofbirth = Wigan, England
dateofdeath =
placeofdeath =
height =
weight =
ru_position = prop|capital=yes
ru_amateuryears =
ru_amateurclubs = Sale
ru_amupdate = 1 Sept 2006
ru_nationalteam = England
Lions
ru_nationalyears = 1971-81
1974, 1977
ru_nationalcaps = 31 7
ru_nationalpoints = (4) (0)
ru_ntupdate = 1 Sept 2006
other = yes
occupation = Mail order Cotton Traders
family =
spouse =
children =
relatives =
school = Newton-le-Willows Grammar School
university = Loughborough University

Francis Edward Cotton (born 3 January 1947) is a former English rugby union prop forward who played for England and the British Lions. His clubs included Coventry R.F.C. and Sale. After retiring, he remained in rugby administration and founded a clothing company. In July 2007, Cotton returned to his former club Sale as a member of the club's board. [ [http://www.greatermanchesteronline.com/news.asp?2072 Union legend Cotton returns to Sale] ]

Cotton was born in Wigan, Lancashire and went to Loughborough University to study physical education. Cotton was ahead of his time in terms of physical preparation.

Cotton made his England debut against Scotland in 1971, and played for them 31 times, which was then a record. He also captained the English team on 3 occasions.

He represented the Lions on their tours to South Africa in 1974, New Zealand in 1977 and South Africa in 1980. He returned home early from the 1980 tour after leaving the field with chest pains in a tour match.

With Steve Smith he founded the clothing company Cotton Traders in 1987.

Charitable work

He is an Honorary President of the rugby charity Wooden Spoon improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in Britain and Ireland.

References

External links

* [http://www.sporting-heroes.net/rugby-heroes/displayhero.asp?HeroID=1545 Sporting heroes 1]