Former All Black Sir David John Graham, aged 82

Former All Black Sir David John Graham has died aged 82.

Known as John Graham, he played 22 test matches as wing forward for the All Blacks between 1958 and 1964 including three times as captain.

Sir David went on to serve as president of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union and managed the country’s cricket team between 1997 and 1999.

He was headmaster of Auckland Grammar School from 1973 to 1993 and chancellor of Auckland University from 1999 to 2004.

Sir David was born in Stratford, New Zealand, and boarded at New Plymouth Boys’ High School with his brothers where he received his secondary education, playing in the first XV for two years.

He studied at Auckland University College for three years, graduating with an MA (Hons) in history and playing for the Auckland provincial team during that time. He represented Auckland against the 1956 Springboks at Eden Park.

He went on to teach at Christchurch Boys’ High School and played for the school’s FP side.

He made his debut for the All Blacks against Australia and helped his team to a 25-3 victory.

In 1960 he was selected to tour South Africa. He played 10 of the 26 matches, including the second and third tests, and captained the team on a number of occasions.

In 1994 he was made a CBE for services to education and in 2011 was appointed a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to education and sports.

Sir David played 22 test matches for the All Blacks.