Born: January 3, 1935
Died: April 30, 2013
Test record: 2 Tests (1961) – 0 points
Tours: 1961-62 tour of Britain and France

Auckland forward Rata Harrison toured Britain and France with the 1961-62 Kiwis alongside his younger brother, Wellington fullback Billy.

A rugby union player while serving in the New Zealand Navy, Harrison switched codes and debuted for Auckland in 1961 to earn a New Zealand call-up.

He debuted against Castleford-Featherstone (as did Billy) and made 13 appearances on tour, including the first two Tests against France – a 6-all draw in Bordeaux (again with his brother) and a 23-2 win in Perpignan.

Rata and Billy Harrison represented New Zealand Māori against Great Britain in 1962, while Rata also featured in Auckland’s big win over the Lions on that tour.