Jack Finlay (rugby union)

Jack Finlay MC (31 January 1916 – 30 June 2001) was a New Zealand rugby union player. A versatile player, Finlay turned out in the forwards for his club but usually as a first or second five eighth at provincial level for Manawatu. He played just one match for the New Zealand national side, the All Blacks, as a Number 8 in the first test against the touring Australian team at Carisbrook in 1946, in which he scored a try.[1]

Jack Finlay

MC
Born(1916-01-31)31 January 1916
Normanby, New Zealand
Died30 June 2001(2001-06-30) (aged 85)
Feilding, New Zealand
EducationFeilding Agricultural High School
OccupationGrain buyer
RelativesBrian Finlay (cousin)
Rugby career
Height1.78 m (5 ft 10 in)
Weight86 kg (190 lb)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Number 8
All Black No. 455
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1934–39 Manawatu 59 ()
National team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1946 New Zealand 1 (3)
Teams coached
Years Team
1964 New Zealand Colts

During World War II, Finlay was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the New Zealand Army infantry in August 1940,[2] and rose to the rank of major.[1] He captained army rugby teams in Italy and North Africa.[3] Finlay was awarded the Military Cross in relation to operations in Italy in the first three months of 1945.[4] After the end of the war, Finlay toured Britain and Europe with the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force rugby team, known as the "Kiwis" in 1945–46 as its vice-captain, appearing in 23 of the 38 games played, including against England, Scotland and Wales.[1][3]

Finlay later became a selector, with Manawatu in 1949, the North Island side from 1949 to 1963, and the All Blacks between 1961 and 1963. He coached the 1964 New Zealand Colts team on their 1964 tour of Australia.[1] He died in Feilding on 30 June 2001,[1] and was buried at Feilding Cemetery.[5]

References
  1. Luxford, Bob. "Jack Finlay". New Zealand Rugby Union. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
  2. "New Zealand, World War II appointments, promotions, transfers and resignations, 1939–1945". Ancestry.com Operations. 2014. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
  3. Howe, Jonathon (18 August 2011). "Jack Finlay to feature in display of wartime rugby". Manawatu Standard. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
  4. "N.Z.E.F. awards: operations in Italy". Evening Post. 1 October 1945. p. 8. Retrieved 31 January 2016.
  5. "Cemetery search". Manawatu District Council. Retrieved 31 January 2016.


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