[4] After joining the Poneke Football Club of fellow Te Aute old-boy Thomas Ellison in 1887, he made his provincial debut for Wellington in that same year.

[3][1] It was probably at Ellison's suggestion that he was selected for Joe Warbrick's Native Football team that toured New Zealand, Australia, and Britain in 1888 and 1889.

[12] The following season, the Wellington Rugby Union (WRU)—which administered the sport in the city—decided that Gage was ineligible for selection in the provincial team.

Following Gage's death from tuberculosis at age 48, the Poneke Club raised money to pay for his headstone in Karori Cemetery, and support his widow and six children.

He could side-step, dodge, serve, and keep his feet while others were floundering about; in fact, Davy was a marvel on the field, and his sure taking of the ball and his instant return were perfection.