In 1920 the New Zealand rugby union team, the “All Blacks” undertook a promotional tour of Australia in order to raise the profile of rugby union at a time when rugby league was in ascendency as the dominant code. All matches were played in Sydney, with the exception of one – which took place in Taree.1
Civic receptions in both Taree and Wingham were afforded the players who arrived by train from Sydney on the day preceding the game. Unfortunately, the planned sightseeing trips had to be abandoned because of heavy rain.2
Despite the weather, the game went ahead as scheduled in Taree Park on the afternoon of Wednesday 28 July before an excited crowd reputed to number some 1500. The All Blacks won the toss and undeterred by the wet and swampy ground went on the defeat the Manning River District team 70-9.3
That evening, a dinner hosted by the MRD Football Union was held at Pankhurst’s Café in Victoria Street, Taree, the recently opened establishment run by John Pankhurst.4 Manning players Oscar Quinlivan and Basil Richardson were commended for their prowess on the field and were selected as members of a NSW second 15 team to later play the “All Blacks” in Sydney.5
Never again did Taree host an international rugby team!
Author: Penny Teerman
References:
1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1920_New_Zealand_rugby_union_tour_of_New_South_Wales
2 Northern Champion Wednesday 28 July 1920 P2 and Wingham Chronicle Friday 30 July 1920 P4
3 Northern Champion Saturday 31 July 1920 P4
4 Northern Champion Wednesday 10 September 1919 P2 and Wingham Chronicle Friday 27 August 1920 P2
5 Northern Champion Saturday 7 August 1920 P4
