John Blair (rugby union)

John Alexander Blair (c.1871 – 12 April 1911)[1][2] was a New Zealand rugby union player who represented the All Blacks in 1897. His position of choice was hooker. Blair did not play in any test matches as New Zealand did not play their first until 1903.

John Blair
Birth nameJohn Alexander Blair
Date of birthc.1871
Place of birthWanganui, New Zealand
Date of death12 April 1911
Place of deathPorirua, Wellington, New Zealand
Weight84 kg (185 lb)
SchoolWanganui Collegiate
Rugby union career
Position(s) Hooker
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1891, 93–1900 Kaierau ()
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1891, 93–1900 Wanganui ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1897 New Zealand 9 (5)

Blair was educated at Wanganui Collegiate where he was a member of the 1st XV in 1886.[3][4]

Career

Blair was the first player from Wanganui to represent his country. Out of the Kaierau club, Blair played many times for the provincial side.[3][4]

He played in the inaugural North against South Island match in 1897. Based on this performance Blair was selected for the All Blacks to go on their tour to Australia that same year.[3][4]

He played in eight of the ten matches on the tour, scoring one try as well as a conversion.

He also played in the game against Auckland once they returned.

Blair continued playing for Wanganui until 1900.

Family

His father, Duncan, also played rugby union. His mother's name was Agnes.[2]

He had at least five sisters and two brothers.[2]

References
  1. "the 1,109 rugby ALL BLACKS since 1884 - ABBOTT to FURLONG :: FamilyTreeCircles.com Genealogy". www.familytreecircles.com. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  2. "PECK of Taita - Family Tree". ngairedith.tribalpages.com. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
  3. Chester, Rod; McMillan, Neville; Palenski, Ron (1987). The Encyclopedia of New Zealand Rugby. Auckland, New Zealand: Moa Publications. p. 28. ISBN 0-908570-16-3.
  4. "Stats | allblacks.com". stats.allblacks.com. Retrieved 16 May 2016.
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