Hoeroa Tiopira

Hoeroa Tiopira (10 January 1871 – 1 October 1930) was a New Zealand rugby union player who represented his country on the 1893 tour of Australia. He did not appear in any test matches as New Zealand did not play their first test until 1903.

Hoeroa Tiopira

Date of birth	(1871-01-10)10 January 1871
Place of birth	Omahu, New Zealand
Date of death	1 October 1930(1930-10-01) (aged 59)
Place of death	Taihape, New Zealand
Weight	79 kg (174 lb)
School	Te Aute College
Occupation(s)	Farmer
Rugby union career
Position(s) Forward All Black No. 33 Amateur team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) Te Aute Hawke's Bay County () Provincial / State sides Years Team Apps (Points) 1889–93, 1895 Hawke's Bay () National team(s) Years Team Apps (Points) 1893 New Zealand 0 (0)

Biography

Born on 10 January 1871 in the community of Omahu, on the outskirts of Hastings, Tiopira was educated at Meeanee School and Te Aute College.[1]

A forward, Tiopira made his debut for Hawke's Bay in 1889, while still a student at Te Aute. His provincial career lasted until 1895.[1][2]

Tiopira was selected for the New Zealand team for their tour of Australia in 1893, becoming the first player from the Hawke's Bay union to gain national honours. On that tour he played in eight matches, with a leg injury preventing him from playing more. He was commended for his leadership in contesting the ruck.[1][2]

Tiopira later farmed at Waimana in the Bay of Plenty, and died at Taihape on 1 October 1930.[2]

References

1. Chester, Rod; McMillan, Neville; Palenski, Ron (1987). Encyclopedia of New Zealand Rugby. Auckland: Moa. p. 164. ISBN 0-908570-16-3.
2. Knight, Lindsay. "Hoeroa Tiopira". New Zealand Rugby Union. Retrieved 3 August 2016.