Former Kiwis rugby league captain Roy Christian. Photo: Supplied:NZRL
Roy Christian, a record-setting rugby league Test captain for the Kiwis during the 1960 and 70s, has died.
He was 80.
Growing up he played rugby league for Ōtahuhu and went on to play 32 tests for the Kiwis.
He got his first test call up in 1965 for a two-Test series against Australia at home.
Although a replacement at the time, he held his spot throughout the 1965-66 Kiwis' tour of Britain and France, playing all six Tests and went on to be named Player of the Year.
After missing the 1968 World Cup due to a hamstring injury and he was named captain for the 1970 World Cup.
In 1971 Christian captained the Kiwis to a famous 24-3 win over Australia before claiming New Zealand's first official series triumph in the UK, the 'Grand Slam' heroics seeing the team defeat Great Britain and France.
Christian went on to captain the Kiwis in another World Cup in 1972, and although not a great campaign for the Kiwis, Christian became the New Zealand's then longest serving Test skipper with 15 Tests at the helm.
His record was only beaten by Mark Graham in 1986.
Ending his 74-game, 32 Test career in 1972, Christian was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for services to rugby league.
He also led the New Zealand Māori side.
Christian was a direct descendant of mutiny on the Bounty leader Fletcher Christian.
Post his playing days he became a Presbyterian minister based in Māngere.
"We sadly mourn the passing of Roy Christian, one of our Legends of League, and offer our deepest condolences to his whānau on his passing," said NZRL chief executive Greg Peters
"With Roy's career in the black and white jumper, especially his record-breaking tenure as captain, he will forever be known as one of the greats of the game."
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