Dick Roberts (rugby union)

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Richard William Roberts (23 January 1889 – 8 March 1973) was a New Zealand rugby union player. A centre three-quarter, Roberts represented Taranaki at a provincial level either side of World War I, and was a member of the New Zealand national side, the All Blacks, for their 1913 tour of North America and 1914 tour of Australia, captaining the side on the latter tour. In all, he played 23 matches—nine as captain—for the All Blacks, including five internationals, and scored 102 points (22 tries, 15 conversions and two penalty goals).[2]

Dick Roberts
Roberts in 1913
Birth nameRichard William Roberts
Date of birth(1889-01-23)23 January 1889
Place of birthManaia, New Zealand
Date of death8 March 1973(1973-03-08) (aged 84)
Place of deathOkaiawa, South Taranaki, New Zealand
Height1.74 m (5 ft 8+12 in)[1]
Weight69 kg (152 lb)[1]
Occupation(s)Farmer[1]
Rugby union career
Position(s) Centre three-quarter
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1909–22 Taranaki ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1913–14 New Zealand 5 (29)

In 1918 Roberts was sent overseas as part of the 41st Reinforcements, New Zealand Expeditionary Force, and served as a rifleman with the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. After the conclusion of the war, he was a member of the New Zealand Army rugby team that won the King's Cup and then toured South Africa. During that tour he held the rank of temporary sergeant.[1][2]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Roberts, Richard William – WWI 81286, WWII 1/31a/62 – Army". Archives New Zealand. Retrieved 23 January 2016.
  2. ^ a b Luxford, Bob. "Dick Roberts". New Zealand Rugby Union. Retrieved 23 January 2016.