[2] Chapman played varsity rugby at the University of Cambridge, gaining Blues in 1881 and 1884.
During this period, he also represented a Combined Cambridge-Oxford XV against London and continued to turn out for Cambridge University RFC after graduating in 1884.
In addition to rugby, Chapman also played association football for Lincoln Lindum FC[3] and played in five first-class cricket matches as a fast bowler for Cambridge University Cricket Club, three in 1882 and two the following season.
[4][5] After graduating, Chapman worked as a teacher at Carlisle Grammar School before leaving for Australia in 1885.
He served as a Canon in Carmarthenshire before moving to Horncastle in 1895, and then becoming Rector at Scrivelsby in 1898.