George Nicholson (rugby union)

George Nicholson (3 August 1878 – 13 September 1968) was a New Zealand rugby union footballer who played for New Zealand – the All Blacks – between 1903 and 1907. He played club rugby in Auckland for the City club, before making his provincial debut for Auckland in 1901. After playing for the North Island in 1902, he was selected for New Zealand's tour of Australia in 1903 where he played in the All Blacks' first ever Test match – against Australia in Sydney. The following year he was selected for New Zealand when they played a one-off Test against the British Isles who were touring New Zealand; New Zealand's first home international. In 1905 and 1906 he was selected for the All Blacks tour of Europe and North America. This was the first New Zealand national team to tour the Northern Hemisphere, and played 20 matches during the trip, but did not appear in any internationals. After returning to New Zealand he switched clubs to Ponsonby in 1907, and that year played two Tests for New Zealand against Australia – his last matches representing his country. After retiring from rugby he was involved in the sport as a referee, selector and administrator. He was one of the last surviving members of the Original All Blacks, as the 1905 team was called, and was present at the 75th jubilee celebrating for the formation of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union in 1967.

Rugby career
George William Nicholson was born in Auckland on 3 August 1878. After being educated at Newton East School, Nicholson played club rugby for the City club in Auckland's competition. He was selected for Auckland in 1901, and in 1902 played for the North Island in the inter-island match; lost 20–14 to the South. The following year he was selected for the tour of Australia. During the tour one Test match was played against Australia – New Zealand's first ever – and Nicholson was selected for the side.