Colin Meads

Full Name: Sir Colin Earl Meads
Profession: Rugby Union Player

Biography: Colin Meads was a New Zealand rugby union player, best known for his career with the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks, where he played from 1957 to 1971. He played as a lock forward, and was fielded in a total of 55 test matches over his career.

Meads started out in club rugby with Waitete R.F.C., then went on to play for King County. He eventually made the New Zealand under 21 team, and it was during their tour of Sri Lanka that he first made an impression as a highly promising player.

While Meads was thought too young to play for the All Blacks against the Springboks in 1956, despite being selected for the North Island team in the national trials, he would eventually debut on their 1957 tour of Australia. His performance here solidified his reputation, and he was picked for every series bar two after this point.

Meads went on to be captain of the All Blacks during the 1963-64 tour of Britain, a position he would be selected for 11 times. His performances became the stuff of legend, particularly his strength and endurance. He once completed a game despite an obvious fracture after a ruck.

Born: June 3, 1936
Birthplace: Cambridge, New Zealand

Generation: Silent Generation
Chinese Zodiac: Rat
Star Sign: Gemini

Died: August 20, 2017 (aged 81)
Cause of Death: Pancreatic cancer