Bob Scott (rugby) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Bob Scott

Scott in 1946
Birth name	Robert William Henry Scott
Date of birth	(1921-02-06)6 February 1921
Place of birth	Wellington, New Zealand
Date of death	16 November 2012(2012-11-16) (aged 91)
Place of death	Whangamatā, New Zealand
Height	1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Weight	79 kg (174 lb)
School	Kapanui School Tangarakau School Ponsonby School
Occupation(s)	Warehouseman painter paperhanger men's outfitter
Rugby league career
Position(s) Fullback Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1939–42 Ponsonby (17)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fullback Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1942 Motor Transport Pool () 1946–53 Ammunition Company () 1944 Ponsonby () 1954 Petone () Provincial / State sides Years Team Apps (Points) 1946–52 Auckland () National team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1945–46 NZEF Kiwis () 1946–54 New Zealand 17 (74)

Robert William Henry Scott (born February 6, 1921 – died November 16, 2012) was a famous New Zealand rugby union player. He played for the national team, known as the All Blacks, from 1946 to 1954.

Early Life and Challenges

Bob Scott was born in Wellington, New Zealand. He was one of six children. His family faced tough times, and they often moved because his father worked for the Public Works Department. They lived in places like Kapuni, Tangarakau, and Ōhura.

When Bob was nine, his parents separated for a while. He lived in a Salvation Army children's home in Masterton. After a couple of years, his parents tried to live together again, but it didn't last long. Bob stayed with his father. Sadly, his father passed away in 1934. After this, Bob moved back with his mother and siblings.

Starting in Rugby League

Bob Scott began his sports journey playing rugby league. He played for the Ponsonby club in the Auckland Rugby League competition. During World War II, he switched to playing rugby union.

Serving in the Army

Bob started working in a warehouse when he was 13. When World War II began, he joined the New Zealand Army. He was sent to the Motor Transport Pool in Auckland. This army group had a rugby union team that joined Auckland's senior competition. In 1942, they won the Gallaher Shield.

Later in 1942, Bob was sent to Egypt as a truck driver for the Army Service Corps. He served in North Africa and Italy. He once said that driving trucks full of ammunition to the front lines was the loneliest experience of his life.

While in the army, Bob played in a rugby tournament called the Freyberg Cup. He played as a fullback for the Ammunition Company team. In 1944, his team reached the final. Even though they lost, Bob was chosen to try out for the Army's special Kiwis team. He also played for the New Zealand Army rugby team in Italy with Bob Stuart.

Playing for the All Blacks

Bob Scott made his first appearance as an All Black in 1946 against Australia. He was part of the team that toured South Africa in 1949. He played in all four important test matches during that tour. He also played against the famous British and Irish Lions team in 1950.

Bob decided to retire from top-level rugby in 1951. However, he played one game for the Auckland team in 1952. Then, in 1954, he played for the Petone club in Wellington.

Many people thought Bob Scott was an amazing player. One person described him as a "genius" because of his excellent positioning on the field. Another famous rugby player, Hennie Muller, said that Bob "always appeared to have plenty of time, even under pressure." He also mentioned Bob's speed and how dangerous he was to opponents.

After his playing career, Bob stayed involved with rugby. He was on the Petone club committee from 1966 to 1970.

Later Life and Recognition

In 1990, Bob Scott was honored by being added to the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame. In 1995, he received an award called the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This award was for his great contributions to rugby and the community.

After Fred Allen passed away in April 2012, Bob Scott became the oldest living All Black. He died on November 16, 2012, at his home in Whangamatā, New Zealand.

Images for kids

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  Scott in 1946