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Maurice Brownlie

1897 – 1957

New Zealand rugby union player

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About Maurice Brownlie

Lived 1897 – 1957 (aged 59). Maurice Brownlie was a New Zealand rugby union player.

Maurice Joseph Brownlie (10 August 1897 – 21 January 1957) was an international New Zealand rugby union player. A loose forward, Brownlie represented at a provincial level, and was a member of the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks, from 1922 until 1928. He played 61 matches for New Zealand—a record for All Black appearances that stood until surpassed by Kevin Skinner in 1956—and scored 21 tries. These matches included eight Tests. He captained the All Blacks on 19 occasions, including for the 1928 tour of South Africa.

Brownlie was a member of The Invincibles during their European tour of 1924–25. On that tour, his brother Cyril became the first man to be sent off in a Test match. All three brothers represented Hawke's Bay and played as loose forwards.

Brownlie gave service during both world wars. From 1915 to 1919 he served in the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade, including two and a half years in the Middle East, and reached the rank of corporal. During the Second World War he served in No. 4 Squadron, Independent Mounted Rifles, part of the Home Guard, from 1940.

Brownlie died in Gisborne on 21 January 1957, He has been inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame twice: as a member of The Invincibles, and in his own right.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
St. Patrick's College, Wellington
Also known as
Maurice John Brownlie, Maurice Joseph Brownlie

People in Maurice Brownlie's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Maurice Brownlie's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Maurice Brownlie?

New Zealand rugby union player (1897-1957)

When was Maurice Brownlie born?

Maurice Brownlie was born on 10 August 1897 in Whanganui.

When did Maurice Brownlie die?

Maurice Brownlie died on 21 January 1957 in Gisborne.

What was Maurice Brownlie's occupation?

Maurice Brownlie was a rugby union player.

What nationality was Maurice Brownlie?

Maurice Brownlie was New Zealand.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Maurice Brownlie

· Wikidata: Q3300500

· DBpedia: Maurice Brownlie

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Maurice Brownlie. https://biography.guide/maurice-brownlie/

MLA: "Maurice Brownlie." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/maurice-brownlie/.

Chicago: "Maurice Brownlie." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/maurice-brownlie/.

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

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