George Carter (rugby)

George Carter (9 April 1854(1854-04-09) – 1 April 1922(1922-04-01)) was a New Zealand Rugby Union player who played for the All Blacks. Although he never played in any test matches for the All Blacks he was always known for being a strong forward, and any knocking around would not seem to do anything to him.

Rugby career

In 1874 rugby had become the preferred code, and clubs were forming, there were at least six in 1874. A year later, in 1875, the Aucklanders felt confident enough to undertake a nationwide tour. The team was picked from players in Auckland clubs and called Auckland Combined Clubs. This team is now known as the first first-class side in New Zealand rugby history. The match they played with Dunedin Clubs in Dunedin was also known as the first representative match in this country. Auckland's results were not good, suffering five heavy defeats in as many matches. Carter had been a member of the touring team and was among the first 30 players to appear in New Zealand representative rugby. Although normally a forward, he was one of Auckland's three fullbacks in that first representative match. He represented Auckland for nearly a decade, although matches were few and far between. He was normally one of the first men picked and played in the second New South Wales match in 1882, when Auckland gave the tourists a hiding, 18–4. In 1883, when the newly-formed Auckland union played its first matches, Carter was still involved. Carter played all three games that season at halfback. New Zealand rugby men had had good results against New South Wales in 1882 and in 1884 they returned. As the four unions then in existence all supported the venture, each was invited to nominate players to make up the team. Carter wasn't among the original choices, but was one of two men invited to replace other Aucklanders (Bob Whiteside, Frank Clayton, and J.C. Webster), who withdrew after selection. Carter played at wing forward in the match against Wellington and is therefore among the original 15 New Zealand representatives. He appeared in six of the eight matches in Australia, including two of the three against New South Wales. He played no more representative rugby after this tour.

Ponsonby

Carter's name appears on the Ponsonby club's honours board as one of their All Blacks, although he never had any connection with them. The board was prepared in the 1960s and at that time accurate information about many early All Blacks was lacking. There might have been some vague stirrings in a long memory about the bearded old-timer. However Carter never played for Ponsonby, the closest he got was playing matches against them.

References

• George Carter at AllBlacks.com