Thomas McClymont


Thomas Allen "Scotty" McClymont was a New Zealand rugby league footballer who played in the 1910s and 1920s, and coached in the 1920s through to the 1950s. He represented New Zealand.

Early years

McClymont was born in Karangahake. McClymont represented the Goldfields sub-union in rugby union.

Playing career

McClymont played for Ponsonby United in the Auckland Rugby League competition, making his debut in 1913, and represented Auckland. He was to be selected at fullback for New Zealand for the 1914 Test against Great Britain, however an injury delayed his debut until after the War.
MyClymont was selected as Ponsonby captain in 1919. In 1919 he was first selected for New Zealand. McClymont played in four Test matches for New Zealand between 1919 and 1924. McClymont captained New Zealand in the first Test match against Great Britain in 1924. Unfortunately a broken arm in this match hastened his retirement.

Coaching career

In 1928 McClymont coached New Zealand for a three match Test series against Great Britain. New Zealand lost 1-2. During the 1930s, McClymont coached Richmond in the Auckland Rugby League competition while remaining a New Zealand selector.
McClymont again became coach in 1938 and McClymont retained the role after the War, coaching the Kiwis between 1947 and 1952. During this time he led a tour of Australia in 1939 and two tours of Great Britain and France, in 1947-48 and 1951-52. In 1958 McClymont coached the Northern Districts side in the ARL Competition. Districts were a combination of the North Shore and Northcote.
McClymont died in 1974 and was buried at Purewa Cemetery in Auckland. He was inducted as a New Zealand Rugby League Legend of League in 2007.