Billy Warbrick

William Warbrick (c. 1866[3] – 28 October 1901) was a New Zealand rugby union footballer who toured with the 1888–89 New Zealand Native football team on their 107-match tour of New Zealand, Australia, and the British Isles. Playing at fullback, he was one of five Warbrick brothers who participated in the tour, which was captained and organised by his half-brother[4] Joe.

Billy Warbrick

Birth name	William Warbrick
Date of birth	8th January 1866
Date of death	(1901-10-28)28 October 1901
Place of death	Matata, New Zealand
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fullback Provincial / State sides Years Team Apps (Points) 1882 1886, 1890 1891–94 1897 Bay of Plenty Combined Clubs Auckland Queensland New South Wales () National team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1888–89 New Zealand Natives 59[1] 20[2]

Billy Warbrick played at least 59 matches during the Natives' tour, including at least 36 in the British Isles.[1] He was one of the star players on tour, and was described by tour manager Thomas Eyton as "a dashing player, grand tackler, first-class kick, very quick at follow up".[3]

Following the tour Warbrick moved to Australia where he played for Queensland, and then New South Wales. He also coached Australia in their first ever Test match—against the British Isles in 1899.[5]

He contracted tuberculosis and returned to New Zealand shortly before he died in 1901.[6]

References

1. Ryan 1993, p. 145.
2. Ryan 1993, pp. 146–48.
3. Ryan 1993, p. 138.
4. File:Joe and Billy Warbrick 1870s.jpg
5. McConnell, Lynn (8 September 2015). "NZ rugby history well served in new book". allblacks.com. Retrieved 7 January 2017.
6. "Death—Warbrick". Bay of Plenty Times. 15 November 1901. Retrieved 7 January 2017.

Bibliography

• Ryan, Greg (1993). Forerunners of the All Blacks. Christchurch, New Zealand: Canterbury University Press. ISBN 0-908812-30-2.CS1 maint: ref=harv (link)