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Tom Lister

1943 – 2017

New Zealand rugby union footballer and coach

Rugby union coachRugby union player
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About Tom Lister

Lived 1943 – 2017 (aged 73). Tom Lister was a New Zealand rugby union coach and rugby union player.

Thomas Norman Lister (27 October 1943 − 23 July 2017) was a New Zealand rugby union player who represented the All Blacks between 1968 and 1971. His position of choice was flanker.

Early life and family Born in Ashburton in 1943, Lister was educated at Temuka Primary School and then Waitaki Boys' High School, where he was a member of the 1st XV in 1960. He was the older brother of professional golfer John Lister.

Career Lister was selected for South Canterbury in his first year playing senior rugby in 1962.

He moved to Wellington in 1964 to further his chances of making the All Blacks. He linked up with Terry McCashin (who would also become an All Black) to play for Wellington's Athletic club and both worked for a time as rubbish collectors, which helped them become "superbly fit".

Lister temporarily retired from first-class rugby in 1972, but returned to represent his province for the next two seasons. He later coached the South Canterbury under-18 side.

Death Lister died in Timaru on 23 July 2017.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Rugby union coach, rugby union player
Nationality
Education
Waitaki Boys' High School
Also known as
Thomas Norman Lister

People in Tom Lister's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Tom Lister's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Tom Lister?

New Zealand rugby union footballer and coach (1943–2017)

When was Tom Lister born?

Tom Lister was born on 27 October 1943 in Ashburton.

When did Tom Lister die?

Tom Lister died on 22 July 2017 in Timaru.

What was Tom Lister's occupation?

Tom Lister was a rugby union coach and rugby union player.

What nationality was Tom Lister?

Tom Lister was New Zealand.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Tom Lister

· Wikidata: Q22006329

· DBpedia: Tom Lister (rugby union)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Tom Lister. https://biography.guide/tom-lister/

MLA: "Tom Lister." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/tom-lister/.

Chicago: "Tom Lister." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/tom-lister/.

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

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