CHILL-OUT SUNDAY THE ELLIS RUGBY GEORGE NEPIA AUTOBIOGRAPHY ALL BLACKS & KIWI RUGBY LEGEND – BOOK PREVIEW

New Zealand Rugby Legend. The autobiography of the great George Nēpia. Written by George himself and renowned rugby author Terry McLean.

George Nepia New Zealand Rugby Legend

Nepia was a New Zealand Māori rugby union and rugby league player. He is remembered as an exceptional full-back. And one of the most famous Māori rugby players. He was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. Historian Philippa Mein Smith described him as “New Zealand rugby’s first superstar”.

Nēpia was born in Wairoa in Hawkes Bay. After finishing primary school in Nūhaka, Nēpia was to attend Te Aute College. But went to the nearby Maori Agricultural College instead. In 1926, Nēpia married Huinga Kōhere. They had four children, three sons and a daughter. Nēpia and his family settled on a dairy farm on land given by Kōhere’s family at Rangitukia on the East Coast.

New Zealand Rugby Legend All Blacks Selection

Nēpia was selected for the Hawkes Bay provincial rugby team in 1922. Also, at that time Hawkes Bay had one of the strongest teams in New Zealand. In addition, they held the Ranfurly Shield. Nēpia initially played on the wing. Furthermore, he was later shifted to the Centre (second-five eighth).
In 1924 Nēpia was selected as a full-back for the All Blacks tour to the United Kingdom. He was one of the stars of the tour. Also, he played in all 32 games. And scored 77 points. Furthermore, the team did not lose any matches, they came to be known as The Invincibles. Nēpia was a fine full-back. With a safe pair of hands. Also, a strong kicking game. In addition, be being a fierce tackler. Before games on tour, he led the team’s performance of a haka.

Omitted from All Blacks tour to South Africa – New Zealand Rugby Legend

Nēpia was omitted from the 1928 All Blacks tour of South Africa. Probably on racial grounds. Nēpia returned to the All Blacks for tours to Australia in 1929. And against the British Lions in New Zealand in 1930. These were his last games for the All Blacks.

In 1935 Nēpia went to England to play rugby league professionally. He was signed initially by Streatham and Mitcham Rugby League Club in London for £500. His family remained in New Zealand. Because rugby union was a strictly amateur game at the time. Nēpia was cast out from rugby union. Nēpia later transferred to Halifax. In 1937 he returned to New Zealand and played league for Manukau. And played for the New Zealand Māori and New Zealand rugby league team.

Where to buy New Zealand Rugby Legend George Nepia Book?

The excellent book ‘I, George Nepia the Autobiography. Is available from Amazon. Nepia stared in both codes of rugby and we offer some classic Rugby and Rugby League styles. New Zealand Rugby League Shirt Vintage Style. In addition, a New Zealand Rugby League T-Shirt Vintage Style.  Also, a Rugby League New Zealand Retro Shirt Polo.

We also offer some great retro rugby union garments. Our classic New Zealand Rugby Shirt Vintage All Blacks Alternatively, the Ellis Rugby New Zealand Retro Rugby Shirt Polo.  Also, Vintage New Zealand Rugby T-Shirt.