Exploring the life of a sporting great

LOOKING BACK . . . David Colquhoun (front) is researching the history of former Oldham rugby player George Smith. With Colquhoun are Michael Turner and Brian Walker, of Oldham Rugby Heritage Trust, and and Smith’s great-granddaughter Pippa Lowe.

SPORTS historian David Colquhoun came about as far as it is possible to come to research a book about the life of pre-First World War Kiwi and Oldham rugby league star, George Smith.

David flew from his home on the other side of the world in New Zealand to find out more about the legendary figure of New Zealand and international sport.

Smith was arguably the fastest man in the world over 120yds and 440yds hurdles and was the star winger of the all-conquering 1905 Rugby All Blacks. He helped to form then was the star of the first rugby league team from Australasia, which toured England in 1907. He also rode several winners as a jockey during his teens!

Smith arrived in Oldham in 1908 as the club’s first overseas professional, helping them to win the Northern Union Championship in 1910 and 1911, reach the Challenge Cup final in 1912, and Lancashire Cup wins or runner-up places most years from 1908-1914.

His Oldham career coincided with one of the greatest eras in the club’s history and he remained in Oldham and even raised a family as a lone father following the tragic death of his wife in 1920.

Smith remained a proud New Zealander - and a proud Lancastrian - until he death in 1954.

Colquhoun said: “This is a great sporting story, but one largely forgotten in New Zealand, partly because he never returned and partly because so much of New Zealand sporting celebrity is about the All Blacks. In some quarters Smith was seen as a traitor to the national sport.”

David is keen to hear from anyone who might have stories about Smith. Email him at: davcolq@windowslive.com