Ross Brown (rugby union) facts for kids

Ross Handley Brown (born 8 September 1934 – died 20 May 2014) was a famous New Zealand rugby union player. He played for New Zealand's national team, the All Blacks. Ross was often a first-five (also called fly-half). He played 16 test matches and 25 games in total for the All Blacks. His career with the national team lasted from 1955 to 1962.

Ross Brown's Rugby Journey

Ross Brown was one of the best rugby players from Taranaki. People there knew him as "Pascoe." He had a very long and successful career. He played many games for his home province, Taranaki, and for the All Blacks.

Ross played 207 first-class rugby games in total. More than 100 of these were for Taranaki. His career had two main parts.

Playing for the All Blacks

From 1955 to 1962, Ross was a regular player for the All Blacks. He played as a first five-eighth or in the middle of the field. This position is called centre or second five. During this time, some people said he ran with the ball too much. They thought he did not kick enough.

Captain of Taranaki

Later in his career, from 1963, things changed. Ross became the captain and first five for the Taranaki team. He helped Taranaki win the Ranfurly Shield. They held this important trophy from 1963 to 1965.

During this time, Ross became very good at scoring points with dropped goals. He scored 10 dropped goals in 1964 alone. Three of these helped Taranaki defend the Ranfurly Shield against North Auckland.

It was funny because Ross always loved to run and attack. He scored over 70 tries in his career. He also helped his teammates score many times. He was more proud of his tries than his kicks.

Why Ross Was Special

Ross Brown came from a family of great rugby players. His father, Handley, was a player in the famous 1924-25 "Invincibles" team. His uncle, Henry, also played for the All Blacks.

Ross was a student at Auckland's King's College. He was a top rugby player there. He also played cricket and was an athletics champion. He started playing for Taranaki in 1953 when he was still a teenager. A year later, he played for the North Island team.

First Test Match

In 1955, when he was only 20, Ross played his first test match. This was against the Wallabies at Eden Park. He played in the middle of the field.

He also played against the Springboks in 1956. During the third test at Lancaster Park, he moved to the five-eighth position. He made a great kick that led to a try for left wing Ron Jarden. He stayed at fly-half for the next test.

Ross was the All Blacks' main choice for fly-half for the next few years. He could not go on the 1960 tour to South Africa for family reasons. But he rejoined the All Blacks in 1961 to play against France.

He toured Australia with the All Blacks in 1957 and 1962. He was also part of the New Zealand Under 23 team that toured Hong Kong and Japan in 1958. Ross played 25 games for the All Blacks, including 16 test matches.

In 1965, Ross was named the Taranaki Sportsman of the Year. This was the first time this award was given.

Family and Legacy

Ross's brother, Don, played for Taranaki and King Country. His son, Andrew, played for Manawatu and Taranaki.

The Ross Brown Shield is a rugby competition for young players. It started in 1976. Ross helped create this event. It is now an important part of the rugby calendar.

Ross Brown passed away in New Plymouth on 20 May 2014.