Born: 23 June, 1910 – Kyeburn Died: 15 April, 1996 – Palmerston North Test record: 1 Test (1935) – 0 points
Auckland centre/halfback Eric Fletcher’s solitary Test appearance for New Zealand came during the 1935 home series against Australia.
Born in Central Otago, Fletcher represented Manawatu, Manawhenua and Auckland in rugby union after attending Palmerston North Boys’ High School. He switched codes with Richmond Rovers in 1934 and rapidly gained a reputation as an exciting attacking player as the club took out the Fox Memorial Shield, Roope Rooster and Stormont Shield – the first ever to do so in the same season.
After an impressive 1935 season at club and provincial level, Fletcher was called into the New Zealand side at halfback for the deciding third Test against Australia – replacing Rovers teammate Roy Powell and opposing Easts’ champion No.7 Viv Thicknesse. The Kiwis were overwhelmed 31-8 after the scores were level at halftime.
Fletcher faced Australia again just four days later, scoring a try and kicking six goals in Auckland’s 36-18 loss.
He successful sought reinstatement to rugby union and won selection for Manawatu again in 1936. A handy cricketer in his younger days, Fletcher later turned his hand to golf and competed in the 1939 New Zealand Open.
