News

Past Kiwi & Life Member Aynsley Passes Away

New Zealand Rugby League Team, v Australia, 1949 Aynsley is second from right - back row

NZRL Life Member and past Kiwi Robert, known in league circles as Bob, Aynsley passed away on Friday October 12 in Greymouth. Bob represented the West Coast and South Island before making his debut in a test against the English at Carlaw Park in 1946. He went on to play five tests for the Kiwis through to 1949 and played another 15 tour games during the 1947/1948 tour of England and France.

Thankfully his contribution to the game did not end there, as he was a referee from 1953 - 1960, a selector for the Coast, South Island and NZRL age group teams, a team manager, and on the WCRL Board of Control for 18 years. His contribution to the game on the West Coast was significant, he continued working as a groundsman at Wingham Park well into his late seventies.

This extraordinary commitment to the game was recognised when he was named as a Life Member of the West Coast Rugby League in 1978 and the New Zealand Rugby League in 1989.

Bob (Kiwi No. 293) was a highly respected member of the rugby league community and a much admired Kiwi. We know he will be missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him.