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 name	John Alexander Blair
Date of birth	c.1871
Place of birth	Wanganui, New Zealand
Date of death	12 April 1911
Place of death	Porirua, Wellington, New Zealand
Weight	84 kg (185 lb)
School	Wanganui 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]