MANN Don biography

Born: March 14, 1942 - Tonga
Test record: 4 Tests (1972, 1974) - 0 points
Tours: 1971 tour of Britain and France

The patriarch of a famous New Zealand and Tongan rugby league family, Don Mann represented the Kiwis during the first half of the 1970s.

The rugged Glenora forward represented Auckland against France in 1964, while the 29-year-old's part in the province's upset of Australia in 1971 (by now with Ponsonby) and strong trial performances earned him a place in the Kiwis' squad to tour Britain and France.

Mann did not play any Tests on the triumphant tour but he lined up against Australia and Great Britain during the 1972 World Cup.

A prominent figure as a player and coach in the Auckland competition, He played another two Tests for New Zealand against the touring Great Britain team in 1974.

Son Duane and nephew George Mann represented New Zealand with distinction in the 1980s and '90s, while Duane, George, another son Bart, and nephews Warren and Esau Mann turned out for Tonga. Another son, Don Jr, was a prominent administrator, serving as the Warriors' general manager.