Bill Hopper (rugby league)
# Bill Hopper (rugby league)

William "Bill" 'Ernie' H. Hopper (birth registered fourth ¼ 1922 – September 2008) was a Welsh professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1940s and 1950s. He played at representative level for Wales, and at club level for Warrington (Heritage No.), and Leeds, as a prop, i.e. number 8 or 10, during the era of contested scrums.

## Background

William Hopper's birth was registered in Bridgend, Wales, and he died aged 85 in Castleford, England.

## Playing career

### International honours

Hopper won a cap for Wales while at Leeds in 1953.

### Challenge Cup Final appearances

Bill Hopper played right-prop, i.e. number 10, in Leeds' 9–7 victory over Barrow in the 1956–57 Challenge Cup Final during the 1956–57 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 11 May 1957.

## Genealogical information

Bill Hopper's marriage to Patricia (née Thorpe) was registered during first ¼ 1951 in Leeds district. They had children; Miriam Hopper (birth registered during fourth ¼ 1951 (age 71–72) in Leeds district), and Haydn E. W. Hopper (birth registered during second ¼ 1954 (age 68–69) in Leeds district).

