William Harris (rugby player)

William "Pat" Albert Harris (30 June 1876[1] – 15 June 1950)[2] was a New Zealand rugby union player who represented the New Zealand national side in 1897. His position of choice was hooker. Harris did not play in any test matches as New Zealand did not play their first until 1903.

William Harris
Birth nameWilliam Albert Harris
Date of birth(1876-06-30)30 June 1876
Place of birthChristchurch, New Zealand
Date of death15 June 1950(1950-06-15) (aged 73)
Place of deathDunedin, New Zealand
Weight83 kg (183 lb)
Occupation(s)Engineer
Rugby union career
Position(s) Hooker
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1894–96 Union ()
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1894–96 Otago 9 ()
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1897 New Zealand 9

Career

Harris, more commonly known as "Pat", was born in Christchurch but played for the Union (now known as Alhambra-Union due to a merge of clubs) club in Dunedin.

He played 9 games for the Otago province between 1894 and 1896. The next year, in 1897 he appeared for the South Island in the inaugural North against South Island match.[3]

Based on this performance, Harris was chosen for the tour to Australia that year. He played in 8 out of the total 10 matches in Australia, including two out of the three of the unofficial tests against New South Wales.[3]

After the touring party had returned to New Zealand they played a final fixture against the Auckland province. The game was lost 11–10 and at the conclusion of the match there was an after-match gathering. Unfortunately for Harris he was found guilty of being intoxicated and using coarse language. He was thus banned from participating in any rugby union for two years.[3][1]

After his suspension had expired Harris did not reappear for his club or province again.[3]

Personal and death

Harris may have worked as an engineer.[4]

Harris died on 15 June 1950 in Dunedin and was buried at Andersons Bay Cemetery.[4]

References
  1. Chester, Rod; McMillan, Neville; Palenski, Ron (1987). The Encyclopedia of New Zealand Rugby. Auckland, New Zealand: Moa Publications. p. 75. ISBN 0-908570-16-3.
  2. "the 1,109 New Zealand ALL BLACKS from 1884 – GAGE to MYNOTT :: FamilyTreeCircles.com Genealogy". www.familytreecircles.com. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  3. Knight, Lindsay. "Pat Harris". stats.allblacks.com. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
  4. "Cemeteries search – Dunedin City Council". www.dunedin.govt.nz. Retrieved 17 July 2017.
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