Rugby History – Page 20

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 049: Kenneth Svenson

by clubrugby - July 5, 2023July 5, 2023

Australian born and raised Kenneth ‘Snowy’ Svenson eventually played for four provinces but made his biggest mark playing for Wellington as a midfield back or wing. From Toowoomba, about an hour’s drive inland from Brisbane, Svenson started his career at the end of World War One at Whanganui before playing for

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 048: Dick Pelham and Jackie Ruru

by clubrugby - June 28, 2023

Richard Pelham (circled left) and Jackie Ruru ( circled right) as part of the 1930 New Zealand Maori team that lost 19-13 in Wellington to the touring Great Britain side. Pelham and Ruru were the side’s midfielders and both scored tries in the match. Two freakishly talented Māori sportsmen who started

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 047: Bill Elvy

by clubrugby - June 21, 2023June 21, 2023

Bill Elvy had a deadly sidestep off both feet. He put this to good use on 28 August 1929 at Athletic Park against Southland when he crossed for five of nine tries in the 35-7 win. In so doing, Elvy became the first player to score five tries for Wellington in a

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 046: Frank Kilby and Lance Johnson

by clubrugby - June 14, 2023

Frank Kilby (left) and Lance Johnson - Southlanders turned Wellingtonians and All Blacks. Two Southlanders - turned Wellingtonians who each shone brightly at halfback and first five - often together - from club rugby to first-class level and on to the All Blacks. Halfback Frank Kilby was one of Wellington Rugby’s favourite

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 045: Nelson Ball and Brian Killeen

by clubrugby - June 7, 2023

Nelson Ball (left) and Brian Killeen, to All Blacks who played for Hutt in the 1930s. Two players with much in common in their respective paths to the All Blacks jersey in the early to mid-1930s. Born three years apart, Ball and Killeen were both backs who both played for the revitalised