Peter Henderson (sportsman) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Peter Henderson

Henderson in 1948
Date of birth	(1926-04-18)18 April 1926
Place of birth	Gisborne, New Zealand
Date of death	24 November 2014(2014-11-24) (aged 88)
Place of death	Tauranga, New Zealand
Height	1.72 m (5 ft 8 in)
Weight	81 kg (179 lb)
School	Gisborne Boys' High School
Rugby league career
Position(s) Wing Senior career Years Team Apps (Points) 1950–57 Huddersfield (633) National team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1953 Other Nationalities (12)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Wing Provincial / State sides Years Team Apps (Points) 1944–45 Hawke's Bay () 1946–50 Wanganui 26 () National team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1949–50 New Zealand 7 (6)

Peter "Sammy" Henderson (born 18 April 1926 – died 24 November 2014) was a famous New Zealand athlete. He played both rugby union and rugby league. He also won a bronze medal in athletics at the 1950 British Empire Games in Auckland. This was for the 4 x 110 yards men's relay race.

Early Life and Rugby Union Career

Peter Henderson was born in Gisborne. He went to Gisborne Boys' High School. He started playing rugby union for Hawke's Bay in 1944.

Later, he moved to Wanganui. There, he played for the Kaierau Club. He also played 26 games for the Wanganui team.

Playing for the All Blacks

Henderson became a member of the All Blacks team in 1949. This team toured South Africa that year. He was the top try scorer on that tour, getting seven tries.

In 1950, Henderson played three important matches against the touring British Lions. He also played against them for Wanganui. Overall, he played 19 matches for the All Blacks, including seven international games.

Athletics Success

Peter Henderson was good at many sports, including sprinting. After his rugby tour in South Africa, he quickly switched to sprint training. He prepared for the 1950 British Empire Games in Auckland.

Bronze Medal Winner

At the Games, he won a bronze medal. This was for the men's 4 x 110 yards relay race. He ran with Kevin Beardsley, Arthur Eustace, and Clem Parker. He also competed in the 100 yards race, finishing fifth in the final.

Henderson was a strong wing player in rugby. He stood 1.72 meters tall and weighed 81 kilograms. He is still known as one of the fastest All Blacks ever. He could run 100 yards in just 9.7 seconds.

Switch to Rugby League

After his rugby union career, Henderson decided to play professional rugby league. He moved to England to join the Huddersfield team. He played for them for seven years.

Challenge Cup Victory

In 1953, Henderson played as a wing for Huddersfield. His team won the 1953 Challenge Cup Final. They beat St. Helens 15–10. This big game took place at Wembley Stadium in London. Almost 90,000 fans watched the match.

Henderson also played for the Other Nationalities team. This team won the 1953 tri-nations test series. They competed against England and France.

Yorkshire Cup Win

In 1952, Henderson played in another important final. He was a wing for Huddersfield when they won the 1952 Yorkshire Cup Final. They defeated Batley 18–8. This game was played at Headingley in Leeds.