George A. Gillett

George Arthur Gillett (23 April 1877 – 12 September 1956) was a renowned New Zealand multi-code footballer of the early 20th century and a dual-code rugby international. Gillett died in 1956 in Onehunga.

Early years

Born in Leeston, Gillet received his education in Hamilton and went on to first represent Auckland in rugby union in 1899.

Australian rules football

After serving in the South African war, he lived in Kalgoorlie and whilst there represented Western Australia in Australian rules football.

Rugby union

He was a member of the legendary Original All Blacks tour in 1905-06 on which he played 25 of the 35 matches including his first Test cap for New Zealand on 18 November against Scotland. In total he played 30 matches during the period of 1905 to 1908 including eight Tests.

Rugby league

After switching to rugby league Gillett toured Australia with the 1911 New Zealand national team and was one of four New Zealanders who toured Britain with the 1911-12 Australasian team. He played in five tour matches but no Tests. Gillet coached the 1912 New Zealand tour of Australia.Coffey, John and Bernie Wood Auckland, 100 years of rugby league, 1909-2009, 2009. ISBN 9781869693664.

He later became the New Zealand Rugby League's official organiser, helping to promote the game

Heroism

George Gillett and Arthur 'Bolla' Francis rescued Anglo-Welsh (British Lions) player Percy Down who had fallen into the sea, keeping...
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