David Unwin / Things
Denis Dwyer has published a book about Billy Wallace, who played for the All Blacks in the early 1900s. (File photo).
The story of the “grand old man of New Zealand rugby” has been brought to life in a new book about Billy Wallace.
Palmerston North author Denis Dwyer has published Billy Wallace: A True Rugby Legend, about the gifted All Black, who played 51 matches, including 11 tests, from 1903 to 1908.
Wallace was a member of the 1905 Originals that toured the British Isles, France and the United States and was deeply involved in all facets of the game.
A star of the game of his day, he also coached the All Blacks, New Zealand Māori and was a member of the New Zealand Rugby executive.
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Dwyer spent two years on the book and has done extensive research, drawing on Wallace’s memories he wrote in 1932, newspapers, club history, speaking with family, and a book in which Wallace had a section, Famous Fullbacks.
“It’s been so long,” Dwyer said. “Many people who are very fond of rugby have never heard of him.
“During his life, he was an absolute legend. This was said at his funeral 50 years ago, that he became the great old man of New Zealand rugby.”
Wallace scored the first points for New Zealand in a Test match, was the first New Zealander to score 500 points in first-class rugby, held the New Zealand record for most points in an All Blacks match for 46 years and still has the world record for most points scored on a rugby tour.
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Palmerston North author Denis Dwyer has published a new book, Billy Wallace: A True Rugby Legend.
His tour record is 246 points on the 1905 trip, scoring 27 tries, then attempts were worth three points.
“The records go on and on.”
He was “seriously fast” and had skills not seen before.
Wallace first played for Wellington in 1897 and was still going to Athletic Park in the 1970s. He died in 1972 at the age of 93.
He was a leading coach of club, provincial and national teams. While coaching the All Blacks on their tour of Australia in 1932, they lost the first Test.
“During the long train journey from Sydney to Brisbane, he spoke to everyone. There was a common decision to make amends.”
They won the next two tests and the series.
The book also examines Wallace’s personal life and the changing society around him.
“He was still driving a car when he was in his 80s, but nobody wanted to go with him,” Dwyer said.
It is Dwyer’s eighth book.