Francis Ward (rugby union)

Francis Gerald Ward (17 March 1900 – 11 March 1990)[1][2] was a New Zealand rugby union player who represented the All Blacks in 1921. His position of choice was wing three-quarter.

Francis Ward
Birth nameFrancis Gerald Ward
Date of birth(1900-03-17)17 March 1900
Place of birthWellington, New Zealand
Date of death11 March 1990(1990-03-11) (aged 89)
Place of deathPalmerston North, New Zealand
SchoolWellington College
UniversityOtago University
Occupation(s)Medical Practitioner
Rugby union career
Position(s) Wing Three-quarter
All Black No. 247
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1920—21 University ()
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1920—21 Otago 14 (0)
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1921 New Zealand 1 (0)

Born in Wellington in 1900,[3] Ward was educated at Wellington College where he was a member of the 1st XV between 1917 and 1918.[4] He died in Palmerston North in 1990,[3][5] and was buried at Kelvin Grove Cemetery.[6]

Career

After graduating from secondary school Ward moved south and attended Otago University.[7] In 1920 Ward was trialled to play at the Half-back position for his Otago Varsity team, but it was decided the position did not suit him. An unknown commentator stated: "Ward is a brilliant individualist, a straight runner and fast. He should be played as a Wing Three-quarter". This opinion would come true as Ward was selected on the wing for the All Blacks against the touring New South Wales side in Christchurch in 1921, making his debut at 21 years of age. He scored no points in this appearance.[5]

Unfortunately for Ward his Rugby career took a turn for the worse because of a serious knee injury suffered in 1922, which ultimately ended his career.[4]

Personal

Ward was one of three children of William Frederick Ward and Kate Gardiner McRae.[1][2]

He worked as a medical practitioner in Palmerston North.[1][2][5]

References
  1. "the 1,109 New Zealand ALL BLACKS from 1884 - NATHAN to YOUNG :: FamilyTreeCircles.com Genealogy". www.familytreecircles.com. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  2. "PECK of Taita - Family Tree". ngairedith.tribalpages.com. Retrieved 31 July 2016.
  3. "Francis Gerald Ward". ESPN scrum. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  4. Chester, Rod; McMillan, Neville; Palenski, Ron (1987). The Encyclopedia of New Zealand Rugby. Auckland, New Zealand: Moa Publications. p. 169. ISBN 0-908570-16-3.
  5. "Stats | allblacks.com". stats.allblacks.com. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  6. www.terabyte.co.nz, Terabyte |. "Palmerston North - Cemetery and Cremation Detail - WARD, FRANCIS GERALD". www.pncc.govt.nz. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
  7. "OUR All Blacks - Otago University Rugby Football Club". www.ourfc.co.nz. Retrieved 25 January 2016.
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