Roy Roper (rugby) obituary

Oldest All Black player Roy Roper passed away on on September 14, 2023, in New Plymouth, New Zealand, at age 100.

Tributes have continued to pour in from the New Zealand community in honour of the late rugby icon and the World War II sub-lieutenant.

Roper is survived by his entire family and friends.

About Roy Roper

Roy Roper had played professional rugby as a three-quarter for Taranaki and the New Zealand All Blacks, from 1949 to 1950.

The New Zealander made his international debut with the All Blacks in 1949, in a game against Australia, and ended up scoring the team’s only try.

Roper had appeared in only five international matches for the All Blacks, scoring nine points for New Zealand.

During World War II, Roper served with the Royal New Zealand Navy and “played in six matches for the New Zealand Services XV in England.”

Roper had celebrated his 100th birthday on August 11, 2023, and became the oldest living All Black.

Roper had his high school career at New Plymouth Boys’ High School.

He additionally “served as treasurer of the Taranaki Rugby Football Union from 1952 to 1971.”