[1][2] In a first-class career that began when he was 19 and ended when he was 41, Chapple played for Canterbury (1949–50, 1952–53 to 1960–61) and Central Districts (1950–51 to 1951–52, 1962–63 to 1965–66), toured South Africa with the New Zealand teams in 1953–54 and 1961–62, and captained New Zealand in the First Test against England in 1965–66.

[2] While managing the New Zealand team that toured West Indies in 1971–72, Chapple played in the match against Windward Islands when injuries reduced the side to ten fit players, but the match was ruined by rain and he did not bat, bowl or field.

His management of the tour was praised by Henry Blofeld in Wisden: "He did a lot to relieve his players of the many different pressures which were upon them and was always a wise counsellor.

"[6] Chapple also managed the New Zealand side that toured India and Pakistan in 1976–77.

He was appointed to manage the team to England in 1986, but died before the tour began.