Victor Yates (rugby)


Victor Moses Yates was a New Zealand rugby footballer who represented his country in rugby union. His brother, John, represented New Zealand in rugby league while his father, Moses, represented North Auckland in rugby union.

Rugby union career

Yates attended Kaitaia College and played rugby union for North Auckland, being part of the side that won the Ranfurly Shield in 1960.
He played nine matches including three Tests for the All Blacks in 1961 and 1962.
In an interview in L'Équipe on the 6th of September 2017, french international Pierre Albaladejo named him as the greatest player against whom he ever played.

Rugby league career

He later switched to rugby league, playing for the Ponsonby Ponies and representing Auckland in 1966, 1967 and 1968.