- Date of Birth26 / 11 / 1899
- Died09 / 03 / 1988
- Lions Tours1924
- International CapsEngland / Lions
- Lions Origin SchoolsMerchant Taylors' School Northwood
- Lions Origin ClubsLondon University, Kings Colleges Hospital, Old Merchant Taylors, Cambridge University RFC
Ronald Cove-Smith was captain of the Lions for their 1924 Tour of South Africa and played in 13 matches, including all four Tests against the host nation, including the drawn third Test.
A doctor by trade, Cove-Smith served as vice-president of the British Medical Association. He was educated at Merchant Taylors’ School in Northwood and played rugby for the school before representing Cambridge University in three Varsity matches.
The Edmonton-born lock was a natural leader and captained England, winning 29 caps for the Red Rose and leading his country to the 1928 Grand Slam. Cove-Smith’s achievements saw him inducted into the World Rugby Museum Wall of Fame in 2001.
As well as playing rugby for King’s College Hospital, London University, United Hospitals and Middlesex, Cove-Smith excelled in swimming and water polo winning half-blues in both sports.