Name Robert Orchard | Role Rugby league | |
Robert Orchard is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer of the 1960s and '70s, playing at representative level for New Zealand (#443), Bay of Plenty, Auckland, and Queensland, as a Prop, or Second-row, during the era of contested scrums.
Contents
Playing career
Orchard originally played for Ngongotaha and represented Bay of Plenty.
In 1967 Orchard moved to the Ellerslie club in the Auckland Rugby League competition and became an Auckland representative. In 1968, Auckland defeated Canterbury 29-15 during Queen's Birthday weekend.
He played for the New Zealand Māori side in 1972.
In 1973 Orchard moved to Queensland and represented the state, playing two games against New South Wales. While in Queensland, Orchard spent time with Redcliffe, Mt Isa, Mackay and Wynnum-Manly.
International honours
Orchard first represented New Zealand while at Bay of Plenty in 1965 against Great Britain, and France (3-matches). He again played for the Kiwis in 1966 against Great Britain and, while at Auckland, in 1967 against Australia (2-matches), in 1970 against Great Britain (3-matches), in 1971 against Australia, Great Britain (3-matches), and France (3-matches), and in 1972 against Australia.
Genealogical information
Orchard is the brother of the fellow New Zealand international Phillip, two other brothers, Eddie and John, both also played for Ngongotaha.