DAVE GALLAHER: THE ORIGINAL ALL BLACK CAPTAIN. HarperCollins, 2012. 288pp. ISBN: 9781869509682

* Released in Ireland, October, 2012.

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The first All Black captain seen in England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and France, was Gallaher who lead the 1905 side on a tour that saw them lose just one game, to Wales in Cardiff. He was born in Donegal, Ireland, and as a child came with his family to the Bay of Plenty and later settled in Ponsonby. This suburb became his home and the local football club, his second home. He represented Auckland and later became their selector/coach – guiding them through the first lengthy Ranfurly Shield reign – as well as being an All Black selector for 7 years. He served with the Sixth Contingent in the Boer War and volunteered for service in WW1 in 1916 aged 42. He lost his life in Flanders at the start of October 1917.

‘I was so glad I was asked to review the book because I found it really, really interesting. It was the first time I’d come across anyone really unpacking what made Dave Gallaher do the things he ended up doing. Matt Elliott went into some detail and I think the first 130 pages are just a delight.’ – Former All Black captain, Anton Oliver, Nine to Noon with Kathryn Ryan, Radio New Zealand.

‘Gallaher is a fascinating insight into a different time…the book is filled with little pearls that give you a feel for what turn-of-the-20^th century life must have been like.’ – Dylan Cleaver, NZ Herald

‘It’s Elliott’s depiction of Gallaher’s war experiences which set this book apart from bog-standard rugby biography.’ – Tony Smith, The Press

‘Inspire[s] respect for a fine leader…the busy, competitive and vital nature of the rugby scene 100 years ago comes through strongly.’ – Jack Leigh, NZ Heritage