Born: 5 November, 1912 – Christchurch
Died: c. 1993 – Christchurch
Test record: 1 Test (1932) – 0 points

West Coast half Richard Jonas Masters played one Test for New Zealand – as a teenager in the 1932 series opener against the touring England team.

The diminutive playmaker came from the Runanga club, representing South Island in 1931-32. But he was still only 19 when he received the call-up at halfback for the first Test in the latter year, which England won 24-9.

It was contended by Runanga teammate Peter Hart (who was initially chosen in the New Zealand squad on the wing but was replaced in the playing line-up) that Masters’ non-selection was due to a wild kick near an opponent’s head during the Carlaw Park clash, which the England team objected to.

Masters played for West Coast again in 1933 but headed to Christchurch (along with Hart) for work opportunities in the midst of the Great Depression and played rugby union with Sunnyside.