TAIAROA, JOHN (1864-1907) was the eldest son of Hori Kerei Taiaroa (q.v.) and a cousin of T. R. Ellison (q.v.). He was the most distinguished of a noted family of Rugby footballers. He played for Otago against Canterbury in 1881, 1882 and 1884, and was one of the most brilliant members of the New Zealand team in Australia in 1884. A fast, tricky runner, very strong on his feet, he played generally at halfback, both for his province (Otago) and for New Zealand. In his later years he played for Hawke's Bay. Taiaroa was drowned on 31 Dec 1907. A younger brother, Dick Taiaroa, was in the native team which visited England in 1888-89.

Information from A. F. Wiren, P. H. Tomoana, T. R. Ellison and F. H. Campbell; Otago Daily Times, 3 Jan 1908.

Reference: Volume 2, page 182

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