Brian Fitzpatrick, the inside back who flourished in the famous Victoria University and Wellington backlines of the early 1950s, and enjoyed later fame for Auckland and the All Blacks, died yesterday, aged 75.
Father of former All Black hooker and captain Sean, Brian Fitzpatrick was part of a Wellington backline
which also included Ron Jarden, Jim Fitzgerald, Guy Bowers and Colin Loader. All five were together in the All Black side who toured the British Isles, France, Canada and California in 1953-54.
Fitzpatrick began his rugby in Poverty Bay and moved to Auckland after attending Victoria University.
It was from University of Auckland that Fitzpatrick won a place in what has since been regarded as the best side that New Zealand Universities have fielded over the years - the team who defeated the 1956 Springboks 22-15 at Athletic Park.
In a first-class career which covered 1949-56, Fitzpatrick toured with the All Blacks to Australia in 1951 and on the major overseas expedition of 1953-54.
His 22 matches included three tests.
He also played first-class rugby for Poverty Bay, Wellington, Auckland, combined Poverty Bay-East Coast-Bay of Plenty sides, and in All Black trials and New Zealand Universities fixtures.
