Rugby History – Page 17

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 056: Alf and Jack Griffiths

by clubrugby - August 22, 2023

An influential and popular Poneke and Wellington father and son pair who were prominent over the first four decades of the 20th century, with father Alf becoming an All Black selector and son Jack an All Black captain. Father Alf Griffiths was born in Whanganui in 1880 and moved to Wellington

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 055: Eric Tindill

by clubrugby - August 16, 2023

Eric Tindill is one of Wellington's most celebrated all-round sportsmen. His sports journey has been well-canvassed, and every Wellingtonian knows his story. But here it is below to document for our website. Tindill is the only man to have ever represented New Zealand in both Test rugby and Test cricket. He also

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 054: Charlie Robins, Joe Dellabarca and Michael Julian

by clubrugby - August 9, 2023

Athletic Park as seen looking south on 9 August 1930, the day of the fourth Test between the All Blacks and Great Britain. None of the players featured below played that day - perhaps they were in the crowd? All three were well known and influential club rugby players who

Pioneers of rugby in Wellington 053: Cliff Porter

by clubrugby - August 2, 2023

Athletic Football Club stalwart Cliff Porter saved perhaps his most memorable two games of his career to last. After a decade of top rugby at club, representative and international level, he bowed out on top at in 1930 against the touring Great Britain side, with wins at home at Athletic Park

Pioneers of rugby in Wellington 051: Evan ‘Ted’ Jessep

by clubrugby - July 19, 2023

The first hooker to play in the All Blacks in the hooker position when New Zealand adopted the three-man front row, and one of a select group of players to play for both the All Blacks and the Wallabies. Evan ‘Ted’ Jessep also won a Jubilee Cup with his Wellington club