Born: September 13, 1881 - Dunedin
Died: January 9, 1951 - Sydney
Test record: 8 Tests (1908) - 2 tries (6 points)
Tours: 1907-08 tour of Britain and Australia
As a former All Black, William 'Massa' Johnston was one of the most prominent members of the 19-7-08 'All Golds' touring party and appeared in 42 of the trailblazers' 49 games in Australian, Ceylon and Britain.
Lock/flanker Johnston originally represented Otago in rugby union (including the dubious distinction of being the first player to be sent off in a Ranfurly Shield match) but was in Southland when he embarked of the 1905-06 'Originals' tour with New Zealand.
Johnston was impacted by illness and injury, ultimately playing only 13 games for the 'Originals' (no Tests), but he played all three Tests on the All Blacks' 1907 tour of Australia.
'Massa' turned out for the 'professional All Blacks' against NSW later that month (under union rules) before the squad set sail for Britain, where he played 30 games and was in the New Zealand pack for its first Test match - a 9-8 loss to Wales on New Year's Day, 1908.
Johnston subsequently played in all four Tests against England and Northern Union, scoring two tries in an 18-6 win at Stamford Bridge and another try in the 8-5 victory in Cheltenham.
On the All Golds' way home, Johnston was sent off in New Zealand's maiden Test against Australia - an 11-10 win in Sydney - after accidentally hitting the hosts' skipper, Arthur Hennessy, across the eye as he attempted to break free from a tackle. Johnston returned to play in the remaining Tests against Australia.
Signed by Wigan, Johnston returned to Britain later in 1908 and spent two seasons with the club before linking with Warrington for another two seasons.