Beethoven Algar

Beethoven Algar (28 May 1894 – 28 November 1989), commonly known as Beet, was a New Zealand rugby union player. A back who played in any position from first five-eighth to wing, Algar represented Wellington at a provincial level, and was a member of the New Zealand national side, the All Blacks, in 1920 and 1921. He played six matches for the All Blacks, including one as captain, but did not appear in any internationals.

Following the death of Bill Francis in 1981, Algar was the oldest living All Black.

Early life

Beethoven Algar was born on 28 May 1894 in Wellington, New Zealand, the son of Clara Doris (née Hoskin; 9 November 1860 – 5 April 1928) and Albert Eric Algar (1845 – 19 August 1909). Algar was the fourth of five children. Algar was named after German composer Ludwig van Beethoven by his musical mother. He also had an older brother Haydn, named after Austrian composer Joseph Haydn.

Early rugby career Algar made his debut for Wellington in 1914 as a 20 year old. He continued to play for Wellington in 1915 before joining the Wellington Mounted Rifles in August 1915. He eventually reached the rank of sergeant with the Imperial Camel Corps. Algar fought in the Battle of Magdhaba on 23 December 1916 and the Battle of Rafa on 9 January 1917. He also captained the All Blacks for his first and only time in their next game against a combined Manawatu-Horowhenua-Wanganui team, which New Zealand won 39–0.