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William Harris

1876 – 1950

New Zealand rugby union player

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About William Harris

Lived 1876 – 1950 (aged 73–74). William Harris was a New Zealand rugby union player.

William "Pat" Albert Harris (30 June 1876 – 15 June 1950) was a New Zealand rugby union player who represented the New Zealand national side in 1897. His position of choice was hooker. Harris did not play in any test matches as New Zealand did not play their first until 1903.

Career Harris, more commonly known as "Pat", was born in Christchurch but played for the Union (now known as Alhambra-Union due to a merge of clubs) club in Dunedin.

He played 9 games for the Otago province between 1894 and 1896. The next year, in 1897 he appeared for the South Island in the inaugural North against South Island match.

Based on this performance, Harris was chosen for the tour to Australia that year. He played in 8 out of the total 10 matches in Australia, including two out of the three of the unofficial tests against New South Wales.

Harris died on 15 June 1950 in Dunedin and was buried at Andersons Bay Cemetery.

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Important facts

Born
1876, Christchurch
Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Also known as
William Albert Harris, Pat Harris

People in William Harris's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped William Harris's

Frequently asked questions

Who was William Harris?

New Zealand rugby union player

When was William Harris born?

William Harris was born in 1876 in Christchurch.

When did William Harris die?

William Harris died on 15 June 1950 in Dunedin.

What was William Harris's occupation?

William Harris was a rugby union player.

What nationality was William Harris?

William Harris was New Zealand.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: William Harris

· Wikidata: Q16615422

· DBpedia: William Harris (rugby union)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). William Harris. https://biography.guide/william-harris-rugby-union-player/

MLA: "William Harris." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/william-harris-rugby-union-player/.

Chicago: "William Harris." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/william-harris-rugby-union-player/.

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

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