Name George Gillett | ||
George Arthur Gillett (23 April 1877 – 12 September 1956) was a renowned New Zealand multi-code footballer of the early 20th century and a dual-code rugby international. Gillett died in 1956 in Onehunga.
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Early years
Born in Leeston, Gillett received his education in Hamilton and went on to first represent Auckland in rugby union in 1899.
Australian rules football
After serving in the South African war, he lived in Kalgoorlie and whilst there played Australian rules football, representing Western Australia.
Rugby union
He was a member of the legendary Original All Blacks tour in 1905–06 on which he played 25 of the 35 matches including his first Test cap for New Zealand on 18 November against Scotland. In total he played 30 matches during the period of 1905 to 1908 including eight Tests.
Rugby league
After switching to rugby league Gillett toured Australia with the 1911 New Zealand national team and was one of four New Zealanders who toured Britain with the 1911–12 Australasian team. He played in five tour matches but no Tests. Gillet coached the 1912 New Zealand side who played the touring New South Wales team.
He later became the New Zealand Rugby League's official organiser, helping to promote the game.
Heroism
George Gillett and Arthur 'Bolla' Francis rescued Anglo-Welsh (British Lions) player Percy Down who had fallen into the sea, keeping him afloat until a rope was lowered from the ship upon which Down was about to return to Great Britain.