Born: 28 October, 1926
Died: 15 October, 2016
Test record: 3 Tests (1947, 1954) – 0 points
Tours: 1947-48 tour of Britain and France, 1948 tour of Australia, 1954 World Cup

Versatile Auckland back Doug Anderson’s 23-match Kiwis career spanned eight seasons, representing New Zealand in three Tests and embarking on three overseas tours.

The Point Chevalier product was the youngest member of the squad chosen to tour Britain and France as part of the 1947-48 Kiwis, debuting against Castleford three weeks before his 21st birthday. Anderson scored four tries in his next three appearances against Hull KR, Bradford and Leeds to earn a Test debut at centre against Wales, a match New Zealand won 28-20.

Anderson played one further Test on Test – the 10-7 victory over Great Britain in the second Test in Manchester – and finished the tour with nine tries from 15 minor matches.

He went to Australia with the Kiwis in 1948 and played four matches (wins over NSW Country, Northern Division, Central Queensland and Newcastle) at wing and centre but could not crack the Test line-up.

Following a stint at Howick, the 1948-49 North Island rep sat out the 1951-52 seasons before successfully completing a transfer to the Marist club.

With Des White withdrawing from selection, Anderson was recalled as the only fullback picked in New Zealand’s 1954 World Cup squad. He played in the historic tournament-opening loss to France in Paris, but a leg injury forced him out of the remaining matches. The 28-year-old returned for the Kiwis’ exhibition match against Australia at Leigh after the competition.

Anderson retired in 1957. The last surviving member of the 1947-48 Kiwis, he passed away in Takapuna in 2016, less than two weeks shy of his 90th birthday.