Career
Openshaw played his club rugby for Manchester (then known as Manchester Football Club). Openshaw made his international debut on 24 March 1879 at The Oval in the England vs Ireland match in which he was on the winning side. He was described by contemporaries as a wonderful dribbler and took part in the second ever "Roses" match between Lancashire and Yorkshire.
Openshaw played four first-class cricket matches for Lancashire from 1879 to 1882.