About Sam Gemmell
Lived 1896 – 1970 (aged 73). Sam Gemmell was a New Zealand rugby union player.
Samuel William Gemmell (28 August 1896 – 28 June 1970) was a New Zealand rugby union player. A loose forward, Gemmell represented Hawke's Bay at a provincial level. He played one match for the New Zealand national side, the All Blacks, out of position at hooker against New South Wales at Dunedin.
Affiliating to Ngāti Pāhauwera, Gemmell played 57 matches for New Zealand Māori between 1922 and 1929, making him the most capped player for that team. He served as a private with the New Zealand (Māori) Pioneer Battalion during World War I, and was selected by ballot to represent Māori returned soldiers as part of the New Zealand military contingent to the coronation of King George VI in 1937. During World War II he served in New Zealand with the Territorial Force.
His uncle, Ben Gemmell, was a New Zealand Māori representative between 1914 and 1921.
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Important facts
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped Sam Gemmell's
Frequently asked questions
Who was Sam Gemmell?
New Zealand rugby union player (1896-1970)
When was Sam Gemmell born?
Sam Gemmell was born on 28 August 1896 in Mōhaka.
When did Sam Gemmell die?
Sam Gemmell died on 28 June 1970 in Wairoa.
What was Sam Gemmell's occupation?
Sam Gemmell was a rugby union player.
What nationality was Sam Gemmell?
Sam Gemmell was New Zealand.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Sam Gemmell. https://biography.guide/sam-gemmell/
MLA: "Sam Gemmell." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/sam-gemmell/.
Chicago: "Sam Gemmell." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/sam-gemmell/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
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