Born: 28 September, 1917 – Wanganui Died: 7 October, 1957 – Mt Ruapehu Test record: 0 Tests Tours: 1947-48 tour of Britain and France
Otahuhu forward Claude Hancox played 11 games on the Kiwis’ 1947-48 tour of Britain and France.
A former King Country and North Auckland rugby union rep, Hancox switched codes in 1947 and – with Joffre Johnson – became Otahuhu’s first Kiwi when he was chosen for New Zealand’s first post-war tour.
A veritable giant for his era, he played his first match in the black-and-white jersey against Swinton on the eve of his 30th birthday. Hancox did not figure in the Tests against Great Britain or France but appeared in matches against powerful club sides such as Bradford Northern, Oldham and Warrington, while he scored his sole try in a big win over Bramley.
Hancox subsequently turned out for City and Ponsoby, as well as Auckland, but injuries curtailed his career. Also an outstanding woodchopper, Hancox died on Mt Ruapehu while working with gelignite, aged just 40.
