Charles Dunning (rugby)


Charles Dunning was a New Zealand rugby footballer who was part of the professional 1907-1908 New Zealand rugby tour of Great Britain.

Early years

Dunning was a builder by trade.

Rugby football

Dunning originally played rugby union for Ponsonby in 1900, before moving to Gisbourne and playing there between 1903 and 1904. When he returned to Auckland, Dunning represented the region between 1905–1907, becoming a key member of the Ranfurly Shield winning team. Dunning was selected for North Island in 1906.

Rugby league

Dunning was selected for the professional All Blacks 1907–1908 tour of Australia and Great Britain and subsequently received a life ban from the New Zealand Rugby Union. Dunning and Billy Wynyard were the last two players to join the squad, after they had been representing Auckland against Hawke's Bay Rugby Union. He played in one test match while on tour, against Great Britain.
On his return to New Zealand Dunning, along with Billy Tyler, helped found the Ponsonby United Rugby League club. In 1909 Dunning played for Auckland but did not tour with the 1909 New Zealand side. However, in 1910 he captained the side against the touring Great Britain and also captained the Auckland tour of New Zealand at the end of the year. He was part of New Zealand tours of Australia in 1911 and 1912.

Later years

Dunning suffered a leg injury in World War I and walked with a stick until his death in 1955.