Lance Todd - Rugby in New Zealand

Rugby in New Zealand

Originally from Otahuhu where he played rugby union, Todd later joined the Parnell club and from here made the Auckland side. He did not make the All Blacks but this was due to the tremendous talent in front of him and he was still regarded as being a special player in the Auckland scene. He was selected for the North Island in 1907 but did not play due to, along with eleven other players, refusing to sign a declaration that they would remain amateur players.

He was picked for the professional All Blacks 1907-1908 rugby tour of Great Britain and Australia and subsequently, like all members of the tour, received a life ban from the New Zealand Rugby Union. Todd had been involved in organising the tour and served on the Management Committee. During the tour he excelled at the game of rugby league, playing in four test matches, and scoring eight tries in all games. He was one of five players who opted to stay in Great Britain at the tours end.