Joseph Calnan

Joseph John Calnan (24 June 1876 – 31 December 1947)[1] was a New Zealand rugby union player who represented the New Zealand national side in 1897. His position of choice was loose forward. Calnan did not play in any test matches as New Zealand did not play their first until 1903.

This article is about the rugby union player. For the comic book artist, see John Calnan.

Joseph Calnan
Birth nameJoseph John Calnan
Date of birth(1876-06-24)24 June 1876
Place of birthWellington, New Zealand
Date of death31 December 1947(1947-12-31) (aged 71)
Place of deathWellington, New Zealand
Weight79 kg (174 lb; 12 st 6 lb)
Occupation(s)Council worker
Rugby union career
Position(s) Loose forward
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1895–97, 99–1900, 03–04, 06 Melrose ()
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1895–97, 99–1900, 03–04, 06 Wellington 40 ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1897 New Zealand 9 (8)

Career

Out of the Melrose club Calnan made his debut for the Wellington provincial team as a nineteen-year old, in 1895.[2]

He played for the North Island in the inter-island match in 1897. Based on his performance he was then selected for the tour of Australia that year.[2]

In his eight games on tour he scored 2 tries and converted one of those in the game against Central-Western Districts.[2]

Unfortunately his career took a turn for the worst as he was accused of using coarse language and being intoxicated at an after-match gathering at the conclusion of the Auckland game, once the touring party had returned to New Zealand. He was thus banned from participating in any rugby union for two years.[2]

After serving his suspension he returned to provincial rugby and was a part of the Wellington team that won the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in the existence of the trophy, after defeating Auckland 6-4, on 6 August 1904.[2]

At the end of 1904 a list was released for possible candidates for the famous Original All Blacks tour the following year. Calnan was not included and local supporters in Wellington were unhappy with this. The Wellington union did nothing to contest and Calnan played one more game for the province, in 1906.[2]

Personal and family

Calnan may have been employed at the Wellington City Council[3] and at one point was also a successful rugby union referee.[4] His wife's name was Margaret (possibly Margaret-Ann).[5] He died on 31 December 1947 in Wellington and was buried at Karori Cemetery.[3][5]

References
  1. "the 1,109 rugby ALL BLACKS since 1884 - ABBOTT to FURLONG :: FamilyTreeCircles.com Genealogy". www.familytreecircles.com. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  2. Knight, Lindsay. "Joe Calnan". stats.allblacks.com. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  3. "Cemeteries - Details - John Calnan - Wellington City Council". wellington.govt.nz. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  4. "Papers Past | Rugby Football. (Free Lance)". paperspast.natlib.govt.nz. 25 May 1907. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
  5. "Joseph John Calnan (1876 - 1947) - Find A Grave". www.findagrave.com. Retrieved 16 April 2017.
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