Robert Wilson (rugby union, born 1861) facts for kids
| Birth name | Robert James Wilson | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 15 April 1861 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Kaiapoi, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of death | 14 May 1944 (aged 83) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of death | Perth, Australia | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 60 kg (9 st 6 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Robert James Wilson (born April 15, 1861 – died May 14, 1944) was a talented rugby player from New Zealand. He played as a forward for the New Zealand national team, known as the All Blacks, in 1884.
Robert Wilson's Rugby Journey
Robert Wilson was often called "Baby" by his teammates. This was likely because he weighed about 60 kilograms. Even though he was lighter, he played in the forward position, which is usually for bigger players.
Playing for the All Blacks
In 1884, Robert Wilson was chosen to play for the New Zealand national team. This team, later known as the All Blacks, went on a tour to New South Wales, Australia. He was selected from the East Christchurch club, even though he had not played for any provincial teams in New Zealand. He got his chance when another player, Edward D'Auvergne, had to withdraw.
The team's manager, S.E. Sleigh, said that Wilson was "perhaps the youngest player in the team." He also noted that Wilson "held his own with the other forwards." This means he played very well, even against more experienced players. During the tour, Robert Wilson played in six of the nine matches. He even scored two tries, which are like touchdowns in rugby.
Life After the Tour
After the New South Wales tour, Robert Wilson moved to Wellington, New Zealand. There, he joined the Athletic rugby club. Later, he moved to Queensland, Australia. He played for the state team of Queensland for two years, from 1887 to 1888. In Queensland, he played for the City club.
Personal Life
Robert Wilson became a telegraph operator, working with messages sent over wires. He passed away in 1944 in Perth, Western Australia. He lived in a suburb called Subiaco and was buried at Karrakatta Cemetery.
