1955–56 New Zealand rugby tour of Great Britain and France


The 1955–1956 New Zealand rugby tour of Great Britain and France was a tour by the New Zealand national rugby league team. New Zealand lost both test series 1-2.

Squad

The team was coached by Harold Tetley and included; Roy Moore, captain Tommy Baxter, Bruce Robertson, Bill Sorensen, Vern Bakalich, Pat Creedy, vice-captain Bill McLennan, Trevor Kilkelly, Henry Maxwell, Ian Grey, Alister Atkinson, George McDonald, Dick Haggie, Bob Hawes, Ron McKay, Keith Roberts, Les McNicol, Lory Blanchard, John Bond, Jock Butterfield, Sel Belsham, Rex Percy, Jim Riddell and George Menzies. Cliff Johnson was originally selected but withdrew and was replaced by Maxwell.
Vern Bakalich scored a then record twenty six tries while on tour.

Fixtures

DateOpponentVenueResultScoreAttendanceReport
8 October 1955Great BritainStation Road, SwintonLoss6-2521,937
12 November 1955Great BritainOdsal Stadium, BradfordLoss12-2724,443
17 December 1955Great BritainHeadingley Rugby Stadium, LeedsWin28-1310,438
8 January 1956FranceStadium Municipal, ToulouseLoss7-2410,184
15 January 1956FranceStade de Gerland, LyonWin22-137,051
31 January 1956FranceParc des Princes, ParisLoss24-37,051

The Kiwis were so ravaged by injuries that they only had twelve fully fit players available for the final Test against France.