20 November 2024
New Zealand Rugby League mourns the passing of Roy Christian MBE, a Legend of League and record-setting Test captain for the Kiwis during the 1960 and 70s.
Christian’s love of league started early, playing for his beloved club Otahuhu for the first time at five years old. The gifted three-quarter showed class and speed from a young age, going on to play for Auckland, scoring a try against South Africa as a winger in 1963 whilst still a teen, as well as North Island Māori, Christian the teams sole try scorer in a 7-5 win over France, as well as New Zealand under 21s.
This success saw him get his first Test call up in 1965 for a two-Test series against Australia at home. Although a replacement at the time, he held his spot throughout the 1965-66 Kiwis’ tour of Britain and France, playing all six Tests.
The hard-running player switched to centre, scoring his first Test try in the 1966 series against Great Britain. He went on to be named New Zealand’s Player of the Year.
After missing the 1968 World Cup due to a hamstring injury, Christian went on to show his class within the team especially during the Lions tour, going on to be named as captain for the World Cup in 1970.
Christians true legacy was cemented in 1971 when Christian captained the Kiwis to a famous 24-3 win over Australia before claiming New Zealand’s first official series triumph in the UK, the ‘Grand Slam’ heroics seeing the team defeat Great Britain and France.
Christian went on to captain the Kiwis in another World Cup in 1972, and although not a great campaign for the Kiwis, Christian became the New Zealand’s then longest serving Test skipper with 15 Tests at the helm. His record was only beaten by Mark Graham in 1986.
Ending his 74-game, 32 Test career in 1972, Christian was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to rugby league and went on to captain New Zealand Māori.
Outside of national honours, Christian was an Otahuhu club member through and through, staying with the club from that very first game at five years through to this retirement. His tireless commitment continued long after he hung up his boots.
New Zealand Rugby League CEO Greg Peters says, “We sadly mourn the passing of Roy Christian, one of our Legends of League, and offer our deepest condolences to his whānau on his passing.
“With Roy’s career in the black and white jumper, especially his record-breaking tenure as captain, he will forever be known as one of the greats of the game.
“His loss will be felt, especially by his beloved club the Otahuhu Rovers, but the legacy he forged on and off the field will live on.”
