Fred Allen (rugby union) facts for kids
Allen in 1946
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| Birth name | Frederick Richard Allen | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 9 February 1920 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Oamaru, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of death | 28 April 2012 (aged 92) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of death | Auckland, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 79 kg (174 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Phillipstown School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Sir Frederick Richard Allen, often known as Fred Allen, was a famous New Zealand rugby player and coach. He was born on February 9, 1920, and passed away on April 28, 2012. Fred Allen was a captain and later a coach for the All Blacks, which is New Zealand's national rugby team. Under his coaching, the All Blacks had an amazing record, winning all 14 of their international test matches.
Contents
Early Life and Rugby Beginnings
Fred Allen was born in Oamaru, New Zealand. He grew up and went to school in Christchurch. Even though he didn't go to high school, he quickly became a talented rugby player. He played for the Linwood rugby club.
Playing for Canterbury
In 1938, Fred Allen was the captain of the Canterbury Colts team. The next year, in 1939, he was chosen to play for the main Canterbury team.
Serving in World War II
During World War II, Fred Allen served his country. He was a lieutenant in the army. He fought in the Pacific and Italy. After the war, he played rugby for army teams, including the "Kiwis" team. This team toured Britain.
Rugby Career Highlights
After the war, Fred Allen returned to New Zealand. He settled in Auckland and worked as a clothing manufacturer. He continued his rugby career, playing for Auckland Grammar Old Boys from 1946 to 1948.
Becoming an All Black
In 1946, Fred Allen was selected to play for the All Blacks. This is the highest honour for a New Zealand rugby player.
Captain of the All Blacks
In 1949, he was chosen to be the captain of the All Blacks. He led the team on a tour to South Africa. Even though the games were very close, the All Blacks lost the series 4–0. After this tour, Fred Allen stopped playing rugby professionally.
Coaching Success
Fred Allen then became a rugby coach. He was a selector and coach for the Auckland team. This was during their successful period in the late 1950s when they held the Ranfurly Shield.
Coaching the All Blacks
Later, he became a selector for the All Blacks. In 1966, he took on the role of head coach for the national team. Fred Allen was known for being a tough but very effective coach. People even nicknamed him "The Needle."
An Unbeaten Record
Under Fred Allen's coaching, the All Blacks had their most successful period ever. They won every single one of their 14 international test matches. This amazing record made him a legend in New Zealand rugby.
Awards and Recognition
Fred Allen received many honours for his contributions to rugby.
National Honours
In 1991, he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE). This award was for his great service to rugby. In 2010, he received an even higher honour. He was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (KNZM). This meant he could use the title "Sir."
Rugby Hall of Fame
In 2002, the New Zealand Rugby Union gave him the Steinlager Salver award. In 2005, Fred Allen was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. This means he is recognised as one of the greatest rugby players and coaches of all time.
Later Life and Passing
After the death of Morrie McHugh in 2010, Fred Allen became the oldest living All Black. Fred Allen developed leukaemia and passed away on April 28, 2012. He was living in care on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, north of Auckland, at the time.
All Blacks Statistics
Here are some statistics from Fred Allen's time with the All Blacks:
- Tests: 6 (6 as Captain)
- Games: 15 (15 as Captain)
- Total Matches: 21 (21 as Captain)
- Test Points: 0pts
- Game Points: 21pts (7t, 0c, 0p, 0dg, 0m)
- Total Points: 21pts (7t, 0c, 0p, 0dg, 0m)
