Rugby History – Page 3

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 123: Bill Dick (Petone)

by clubrugby - April 22, 2026April 22, 2026

Prop Bill Dick was one of those players that binds the club competition and makes it stronger. The reliable, consistent Dick played in Petone’s front row for more than a decade throughout the 1950s and into the early 1960s and was later President of Petone. Dick was a four-time Jubilee Cup winner

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 122: Bob Lendrum

by clubrugby - April 15, 2026

Not to be confused with the player of the same name and first-five who played 131 first-class games for Counties and one test for the All Blacks in 1973, Bob Lendrum’s first-class career went no higher than Wellington. Robert Edward Lendrum was a Wellington representative in 1963 and 1964, and a

Where are they Now: Martin Leslie (Petone and Scotland)

by clubrugby - April 9, 2026

By Adam Julian The recent Six Nations broke many scoring records and was regarded as one of the best ever. Noteworthy was Scotland’s 50-40 win over eventual champions France. In 1999, Scotland beat France in a similarly dramatic match in Paris, dominated by Petone legend Martin Leslie. Petone started the 2026

Pioneers of rugby in Wellington 121: Bill Freeman

by clubrugby - April 8, 2026

One of Wellington rugby’s most famed coaches, Bill Freeman was Wellington A representative coach between 1964-70. Under his coaching, Wellington teams enjoyed several memorable wins over the space of a few years, including twin victories over the touring Springboks and British and Irish Lions in 1965 and 1966, and for introducing

Pioneers of Rugby in Wellington 120: Barry Cull

by clubrugby - March 26, 2026March 26, 2026

Barry Cull was Wellington’s first choice halfback for several seasons from the second half of the 1950s to the early 1960s. Cull played for the Athletic club and was a leading player and personality in Wellington club rugby throughout this time in the competition. He was known to have a swift,