financial adviser rugby player
Martin Cooper was born on April 23, 1948. His rugby career began with Wolverhampton Rugby Football Club before he moved to Moseley, the historic Birmingham club founded in 1873 and long associated with high-level English rugby and the development of international players.
Cooper began his senior rugby career with Wolverhampton before joining Moseley. His versatility enabled him to play fly-half, centre, full-back, and wing, and he soon came to the attention of England selectors. Moseley was one of England's leading amateur clubs during the 1970s, a period when club rugby remained outside the later professional league structure and representative fixtures carried particular importance.
He won his first England cap against France on February 24, 1973, and finished his international career with 11 caps between 1973 and 1977. He played mainly at fly-half and also appeared at centre. On England's 1973 tour of Fiji and New Zealand, he was part of the team that defeated New Zealand 16–10 in Auckland, the first home-country national side to beat the All Blacks in New Zealand.
Cooper's only international try came against Ireland at Lansdowne Road in 1977, providing the only score in England's 4–0 victory. His final England appearance came against Wales in the same year. At representative level, he also scored a try for the Midlands Counties West against New Zealand at Moseley.
At Moseley, Cooper played in a strong side that defeated touring teams including Fiji and the Barbarians and reached three John Player Cup finals. He captained Moseley in the 1979 final against Leicester, which the club lost, and made his final appearance for the club at full-back in the 1982 final against Gloucester. The match ended 12–12 after extra time, leaving Gloucester and Moseley joint holders of the cup. Cooper retired from rugby in 1982.
After his playing career, Cooper worked as an independent financial adviser and operated Martin Cooper Wealth Management Ltd in Worcester. His later professional work placed him in the independent financial-advice sector, which provides personal and business clients with guidance on investments, retirement planning, and wealth management.
Cooper won 11 England rugby union caps between 1973 and 1977, playing primarily at fly-half and also at centre.
He played in England's 16–10 victory over New Zealand in Auckland in 1973, the first win by a home-country national side in New Zealand.
He scored England's only try in the 4–0 victory over Ireland at Lansdowne Road in 1977.
He scored for the Midlands Counties West against New Zealand in a representative match at Moseley.
He was part of Moseley's successful 1981–1982 John Player Cup campaign; the club drew 12–12 with Gloucester in the final and shared the trophy.
