Dave Gallaher
New Zealand rugby union footballer · New Zealand · On the map · Athletes · Lived 1873 to 1917 · aged 43
David Gallaher was an Irish-born New Zealand rugby union footballer best remembered as the captain of the "Original All Blacks" - the 1905-06 New Zealand national team, the first representative New Zealand side to tour the Irish and British Isles.
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The house where Gallaher was born in Ramelton, Ireland. A plaque above the door commemorates his contributions to New Zealand rugby.
Gallaher with other corporals, sergeants and officers of the Sixth New Zealand Contingent before their departure for South Africa. Gallaher, then a corporal, is standing in the back row, second from right.
Gallaher with other members of the Auckland side that defeated the visiting British Isles team in 1904. Gallaher is standing in the back row on the far left.
Cartoon by William Blomfield, published in the New Zealand Observer in 1905. "Aha," Gallaher is depicted as saying, "I'll have to give the tail of the British Lion another twist to stir him up. And they said England was the home of Rugby Football."
Painting by Frank Gillett published in The Graphic following the All Blacks' 15-0 victory over England. Gallaher, wearing black and playing wing-forward, can be seen standing on the far side of the scrum.
The civic reception in Auckland following the side's arrival back in New Zealand. The Prime Minister Richard Seddon is standing on the dais addressing the crowd.
Dave Gallaher in uniform, c. 1917About this person
Under Gallaher's leadership the Originals won 34 out of 35 matches over the course of tour, including legs in France and North America; the New Zealanders scored 976 points and conceded only 59. Before returning home he co-wrote the classic rugby text The Complete Rugby Footballer with his vice-captain Billy Stead. Gallaher retired as a player after the 1905-06 tour and took up coaching and selecting; he was a selector for both Auckland and New Zealand for most of the following decade.