Billy Glenn
NZ international rugby union player
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Spiers Glenn MC (21 February 1877 – 5 October 1953) was a New Zealand rugby union player who played for the All Blacks on their 1905 tour. He later became a Reform Party Member of Parliament in New Zealand.
21 February 1877
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| Born | William Spiers Glenn 21 February 1877 Greymouth, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Died | 5 October 1953 (aged 76) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 82 kg (181 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Manaia School, Taranaki | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation | Farmer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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Early life
Glenn was born in Greymouth in 1877[1] and moved to Manaia, Taranaki, with his family as a child.[2] He was a keen sportsman, and as well as playing rugby, he became secretary of the Manaia Tennis Club. He was a member of the Egmont Racing Club and owned several race horses.[2]
In 1904, Glenn was elected a member of the Manaia Town Board. He owned a 142-hectare (350-acre) dairy farm on the Waimate plain.[2]
Rugby union career
Glenn was a loose forward, and occasionally played at hooker.[1] He became a Taranaki rugby representative in 1899.[2] He made his All Blacks debut in 1904, playing against the touring British Isles team. He subsequently toured with the 1905 Originals. In all, Glenn played 19 matches for the All Blacks, including two test matches. He scored no points and never played in a losing All Blacks side.[1]
Military service
In World War I, Glenn served with the Royal Field Artillery, reaching the rank of second lieutenant. In 1916, he was awarded the Military Cross for conspicuous gallantry and ability as an observing officer. His citation reads that "he was exposed to heavy shell fire for several hours, but with great coolness and judgment corrected the fire of his battery throughout, and sent back constant reports on the situation."[3]
Parliamentary career
Glenn was elected to the Rangitikei electorate in the 1919 general election, but was defeated in 1928.[4] In 1935, he was awarded the King George V Silver Jubilee Medal.[5]
He was the first All Black to be elected to the New Zealand Parliament.[citation needed]