Vale Neville Denton

Born: 22 July. Passed Away: 27 March 2015.

Former New Zealand Test winger/fullback, Neville Denton, passed away on 27 March at his home at Paparimu in Auckland.

The talented outside back played in 13 Tests for his country between 1954 and 1963. He played five Tests against Australia, four in Australia and one in France. He represented New Zealand at three World Cups. These were in France (1954), Australia (1957) and England (1960).

In club football, Neville played with Northern Districts and also Marist. He was a member of many Auckland teams, including the strong sides which beat France 15-8 in 1960, Australia 13-8 in 1961 and Great Britain 46-13 in 1962.

Although mainly a winger Neville made his Test debut at fullback in the first ever World Cup against Australia at Marseilles on 7 November 1954. The Aussies were captained by Immortal and Team of the Century fullback, Clive Churchill and they won this clash 34-15.

Neville’s last Test was at the Sydney Cricket Ground on 8 June 1963, when he scored New Zealand’s only try in the tight 7-3 loss. At the Sydney Cricket Ground on 4 July 1959, he collected two tries in New Zealand’s impressive 28-12 win over Australia. Three “Australian Team of the Century” players, Reg Gasnier, John Raper and Noel Kelly were members of the defeated Australian side.

After retiring, Neville coached Marist and in the early 1970s, was an Auckland selector. He was Kiwi number 359 and scored five tries and a goal in Test football.

Neville has three sons, along with several grandchildren and great grandchildren.

His funeral was held in Auckland on Wednesday 1 April.