A Giant Called Tiny

Richard White of Poverty Bay stepped this month into the elite ranks of Rugby's "greats".

His selection for the first test against South Africa was the crowning achievement of a brilliant football career which has placed his name alongside those of the other great Rugby men of this district — George Nepia, Maurie Brownlie, and the late Jimmy Mill.

It was a fitting tribute to his own rugged determination on the field that he scored N.Z.'s first try against South Africa in the current test series.

Known wherever Rugby is played as "Tiny", White has now represented N.Z. in 20 consecutive tests — a feat never before achieved in this country's long history of football. And he has played against every major Rugby country in the world.

White wore black jersey — and football boots — for first time as lock in Gisborne High School 2nd fifteen in 1940. Earlier he played bare-foot in 7-a-side primary school games. He is third from left, middle row.

He gained All Black Selection After Fine Work Against Australia in Gisborne, 1949.

White, centre of back row, gained valuable experience with this Army team when a member of Jay Force in 1947-48. The side was unbeaten. Third from right, middle row, is Bill Lannigan, East Coast. Middle of front row is Colin Trengrove, formerly of Gisborne.

A farmer in the Waimata Valley, White has had to make many sacrifices for his Rugby career. He readily acknowledges big debt to wife, who helped run farm during Tiny's absence in British Isles.

White in Brisbane during All Black tour of Australia.

A big moment in White's career....All Blacks arrive at London airport for 1953-54 tour.

Typical break by White in test against Ireland.

It was during the British Isles tour that White's worth as a line-out man and attacking forward became fully appreciated. He was the strongest dynamo in a powerhouse pack.

"Tiny" has been as big a success socially as he has on the field. In the picture above, he enters into the spirit of a reception in Vancouver, held in honour of the All Blacks.

White is pictured with another "Tiny" — Lord Freyberg — and R. C. Stuart, All Black captain, during a visit to Windsor Castle.
Many players retired from big football after the 1953-54 tour, but White played on, anxious to put back all he could into the game. Both in matches and in training he has been a source of great strength to P. B. and the H.S.O.B. club.

First Test Against The 'Boks: White meets the Governor-General, Sir Willoughby Norrie, before the test in Dunedin this month. With him are Duff & Vincent, the All Black captain.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 25 : July 26, 1956

A Giant Called Tiny