Johnny Smith (rugby union)
Smith in 1949 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Born | John Burns Smith 25 September 1922 Kaikohe, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Died | 3 December 1974 (aged 52) Auckland, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 79 kg (174 lb; 12 st 6 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | Kaikohe District High School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notable relative | Peter Smith (brother) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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John Burns Smith (26 September 1922 – 3 December 1974) was a New Zealand rugby union player, soldier, sportsman and baker. He was an All Black captain, and despite only playing nine matches (including four tests) is recognised as a great. His 26 appearances for the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force rugby team (known as the Kiwis), which toured the UK in 1946–47, earned him high praise. He also played for the New Zealand Māori, being of Ngāpuhi descent.