Born: December 3, 1910 – Nuhaka
Died: November 15, 1979 – Wairoa
Test record: 0 Tests
Tours: 1939 tour of Britain

Former All Black Hawera Mataira’s tenure with the Kiwis was restricted to just one tour game due to the outbreak of World War II, but the Hawke’s Bay product nevertheless takes his place on the esteemed list of New Zealand’s dual internationals.

The loose forward played one Test for the All Blacks on their 1934 tour of Australia but was surprisingly left out of the squad for the 1935-36 tour of Britain. He was also part of the Hawke’s Bay team that lifted the Ranfurly Shield from Canterbury in 1934.

Mataira was acquitted of manslaughter after New Zealand Māori teammate Bernard Rogers died of head injuries suffered as a result of a fight with Mataira following a match against Australia, with Rogers identified as the aggressor.

Mataira switched to rugby league with Auckland club City Rovers in 1937 and won a place on the Kiwis’ tour two years later, but a second-row appearance in a 22-10 win over Dewsbury was all he managed before the venture was halted due to the declaration of war.

Returning to club football in Auckland, Mataira later represented New Zealand Māori against the 1946 Great Britain tourists.