Born: May 27, 1880 – Wellington Died: May 18, 1936 – Wellington Test record: 3 Tests (1909) – 0 points Tours: 1909 tour of Australia
Wellington’s John Spencer, alongside older brother George, created history as the first set of brothers to represent New Zealand in rugby union and rugby league.
The loose forward – known as Jack – represented Wellington in rugby union for the first time as a 17-year-old in 1898, while he turned out for his province against New Zealand in 1903 before joining the national team in Australia, where he made two appearances.
After missing out on the famed 1905-06 ‘Originals’ tour to Britain, he was named as captain for the 1905 Test in Dunedin against Australia. He played another Test as a replacement against Australia in 1907 while on tour with the All Blacks with his brother.
The Spencers switched codes in 1908 and were chosen in the New Zealand rugby league team for its tour of Australia the following season. Jack played in all 10 matches, including the three Tests of a series won 2-1 by Australia. He also scored two tries in a 40-25 win over Queensland.
Spencer later represented Wellington against NSW in 1912 and 1913 – scoring a try in both matches – and against England in 1914.