John Spencer
New Zealand rugby union footballer and coach, and rugby league footballer
About John Spencer
Lived 1880 – 1936 (aged 55–56). John Spencer was a New Zealand rugby league player and rugby union player.
John Clarence Spencer (1880–1936) was a New Zealand rugby football player who represented New Zealand in both rugby union and rugby league. His brother, George, also was a dual-international.
Early years Spencer attended Mt Cook School in Wellington.
Rugby union career thumbFrom the Melrose club, Spencer represented Wellington along with four of his brothers. He, along with his brothers, contributed significantly to the club's six Wellington club championship wins between 1896 and 1908.
In 1909 he toured Australia with the New Zealand rugby league side. He played in all three test matches. The Spencers are the only brothers to have been both All Blacks and Kiwis.
He played in Wellington's 1913 victory over Auckland.
Later years Spencer returned to rugby union in later years and became a club coach for Berhampore in Wellington.
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Important facts
People in John Spencer's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Spencer's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Spencer?
New Zealand rugby union footballer and coach, and rugby league footballer
When was John Spencer born?
John Spencer was born in 1880 in Wellington.
When did John Spencer die?
John Spencer died on 21 May 1936 in Wellington.
What was John Spencer's occupation?
John Spencer was a rugby league player and rugby union player.
What nationality was John Spencer?
John Spencer was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Spencer (rugby, born 1880)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Spencer. https://biography.guide/john-spencer-rugby-league-player-1880/
MLA: "John Spencer." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-spencer-rugby-league-player-1880/.
Chicago: "John Spencer." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-spencer-rugby-league-player-1880/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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