Ron Bryers

Ron Bryers
Born(1919-11-14)14 November 1919
Raetihi, New Zealand
Died20 August 1987(1987-08-20) (aged 67)
Tauranga, New Zealand
SchoolOhakune District High School
Notable relativeRhonda Bryers (daughter)
OccupationTeacher
Rugby union career
Position Lock
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1946 King Country 11 (0)
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1949 New Zealand 1 (0)

Ronald Frederick Bryers (14 November 1919 – 20 August 1987) was a New Zealand rugby union player. He was a lock, but in his early career was in the backs and was a loose forward. He played one match for New Zealand, against Australia in the first test in 1949.[1]

Bryers was born in Raetihi and educated at Ohakune District High School. He enlisted in the New Zealand Army in World War II; he was then a teacher living in the Bulls Schoolhouse. He served in the 34th Battalion, and played in service games.[2]

In 1946, he played for the New Zealand Māori against Australia. As a Māori, he could not be selected for the 1949 tour of South Africa so played against Australia instead. He retired as headmaster of Mount Maunganui primary school, and died in Tauranga Hospital.[3]

He captained King Country.[1] He was a selector for the New Zealand Māori from 1957 to 1958 and for Bay of Plenty from 1962 to 1973.[1]

References

  1. ^ a b c Palenski, Chester & McMillan 2005, pp. 35–36.
  2. ^ "Obituary", New Zealand Herald, 21 August 1987
  3. ^ "Obituary", Wanganui Chronicle, 22 August 1987

Bibliography

  • Palenski, Ron; Chester, R. H.; McMillan, N. A. C. (2005). The encyclopedia of New Zealand rugby (4 ed.). [Auckland, N.Z.]: Hodder Moa. ISBN 1-86971-026-6. OCLC 945230030.