Roy Christian


Fletcher Roy Christian is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s and 1970s. A, he captained New Zealand in the sport. Christian also captained the New Zealand Māori rugby league team.

Early life and family

Christian was born in Auckland on 10 October 1943 to Norfolk Island parents, Leaonard Beaumont and Anna Matilda Christian. He is a direct descendant of Fletcher Christian, a figure in the 1789 Mutiny on the Bounty. He was educated at Otahuhu College and the University of Auckland.
In 1966, Christian married Robyn Cheryl Plant, and the couple went on to have two children.

Rugby league

Christian played his first Test match in 1965 against Australia. While playing for Otahuhu in 1966, Christian was awarded the Lipscombe Cup for Premier One sportsman of the year. However, injury caused him to miss the 1968 World Cup. Christian was part of the Auckland side that defeated Australia in 1969. He was appointed captain of the New Zealand national side in 1970 and played in that year's World Cup. In 1971 Christian captained New Zealand to a famous victory against Australia at Carlaw Park. Also in 1971, his Kiwis side became the first New Zealand touring team to win a test series in Britain. The 1972 World Cup was the last time Christian represented New Zealand. He retired with little fanfare as no test matches were scheduled for 1973. He had played in 74 matches for the Kiwis, including 32 tests. After retirement Christian served as the Otahuhu Leopards chairman.
In the 1972 Queen's Birthday Honours, Christian was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire, for services to rugby league football. In 2007, he was inducted as one of the New Zealand Rugby League's "Legends of League".

Presbyterian minister

Christian studied at the Presbyterian School of Ministry at Knox College in Dunedin, and became a minister of the Presbyterian Church in 1984.