Roy Christian

Actor

BIOGRAPHY

Fletcher Roy Christian MBE is a New Zealand retired international rugby league footballer of the 1960s and 1970s. A centre three-quarter back, he captained his country in the sport. Christian also captained the New Zealand Māori rugby league team.Born in Auckland to Norfolk Island parents, Roy Christian is a direct descendant of Fletcher Christian, a figure in the 1789 Mutiny on the Bounty. Christian played his first Test match in 1965 against Australia. While playing for Otahuhu in 1966, Christian was awarded the Lipscombe Cup for Premier One sportsman of the year. However, injury caused him to miss the 1968 World Cup. Christian was part of the Auckland side that defeated Australia in 1969. He was appointed captain of the New Zealand national side in 1970 and played in that years World Cup. In 1971 Christian captained New Zealand to a famous victory against Australia at Carlaw Park. Also in 1971, his Kiwis side became the first New Zealand touring team to win a test series in Britain. Christian was awarded a MBE in the 1972 Birthday Honours for services to rugby league football. The 1972 World Cup was the last time Christian represented New Zealand. He retired with little fanfare as no test matches were scheduled for 1973. He had played in 74 matches for the Kiwis, including 32 tests. After retirement Christian served as the Otahuhu Leopards chairman before becoming a Minister in the Presbyterian Church. In 2007 he was inducted as one of the New Zealand Rugby Leagues Legends of League.

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