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James Mackay

1905 – 1985

New Zealand rugby union footballer and coach

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About James Mackay

Lived 1905 – 1985 (aged 80). James Mackay was a New Zealand rugby union player.

James Douglas Mackay (21 September 1905 – 23 December 1985) was a New Zealand rugby union player. A wing three-quarter, Mackay represented Wellington at a provincial level, and was a member of the New Zealand national side, the All Blacks, in 1928. He played two matches for the All Blacks, scoring four tries, but did not appear in any internationals.

Mackay studied at Victoria University College, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in 1929 and a Bachelor of Science in 1933. During World War II he served with the Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) as an education officer. In April 1942 he relinquished his honorary commission and was granted a temporary commission with the rank of flying officer, fourth year, acting flight lieutenant, and then flight lieutenant (temporary). In the 1946 New Year Honours Mackay was appointed a Member of the Military Division of the Order of the British Empire.

After his playing days, Mackay remained involved in rugby as a coach, selector and administrator. He was coach of the Victoria University first team from 1931, to 1935, the RNZAF team at Wigram from 1938 to 1942 and the Canterbury Agricultural College team from 1947 to 1952. He was an RNZAF selector between 1942 and 1944, a and New Zealand Services selector in 1944, and a New Zealand Universities selector in 1947. He served as president of the Ellesmere sub-union in Canterbury from 1953 to 1954.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
Victoria University of Wellington
Awards
Member of the Order of the British Empire
Also known as
James Douglas Mackay

People in James Mackay's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped James Mackay's

Frequently asked questions

Who was James Mackay?

New Zealand rugby union footballer and coach (1905-1985)

When was James Mackay born?

James Mackay was born on 21 September 1905 in Stratford.

When did James Mackay die?

James Mackay died on 23 December 1985 in Christchurch.

What was James Mackay's occupation?

James Mackay was a rugby union player.

What nationality was James Mackay?

James Mackay was New Zealand.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: James Mackay

· Wikidata: Q21070384

· DBpedia: James Mackay (rugby union)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). James Mackay. https://biography.guide/james-mackay/

MLA: "James Mackay." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/james-mackay/.

Chicago: "James Mackay." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/james-mackay/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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