Bill Francis (rugby union)

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Bill Francis, born William Charles Francis, was a New Zealand rugby union player. He was born in New Plymouth on February 4, 1894, and died on November 28, 1981, in Pukekohe, New Zealand. He stood 1.68 meters tall and played as a hooker.

Francis played for Wellington at the provincial level (1913–15, 1921), making 20 appearances. He joined the All Blacks, New Zealand’s national team, in 1913–14, playing 12 matches, including seven international tests. His cousin was Nelson Ball.

After the death of Richard Fogarty in 1980, Francis became the oldest living All Black until his death in 1981, after which Beethoven Algar took that distinction.