Alphonsus Carroll

Alphonsus "Fonse" John Carroll (20 April 1895 in Tauranga – 1 December 1974 in Palmerston North) was a New Zealand dual-code international rugby union and rugby league footballer of the 1920s, who represented his country in both codes. He played at both Prop and Hooker.

Early years

Carroll was born in Mataura on 20 April 1895 before moving to the Manawatu with his family. He was the youngest of five brothers who represented Manawatu in rugby union. Carroll was a conscientious objector during World War I. In his early years Carroll was a race horse trainer, however one of his best horses broke down following the New Zealand Grand National in 1916.

Rugby union career

Carroll began playing rugby union aged 22 in 1917 for the Jackeytown club and first represented Manawatu in 1919. Carroll was also selected for the North Island in 1919.

Carroll played in 8 games for the All Blacks, being a part of the 1920 tour of Australia, but never played in a Test match. Carroll scored 3 tries and 2 conversions for the All Blacks, totalling 13 points. Carroll continued to play for Manawatu until 1924.

Rugby league career

In 1925 Carroll moved to Wellington and switched codes to rugby league, representing the province.

Carroll played in two Tests for the New Zealand Kiwis, touring Australia in 1926 and being part of the 1926–27 tour of Great Britain where he played against England at Central Park, Wigan on 2 October 1926. The tour was marred by strike action by the forwards and Carroll was one of the seven players sent home. As a result, he was banned for life by the New Zealand Rugby League – a ban which was lifted in 1962.

Later years

Carroll attempted to return to rugby union but his application was refused by the New Zealand Rugby Union in 1930. He participated in some "low level" coaching and was eventually reinstated in 1967, at the time of the NZRFU’s 75th jubilee.

Carroll owned a dairy farm in and was an active member of the Labour Party. His farm was the venue for the local Snake Valley cricket team for 40 years.

Two of Carrolls sons, Joe and Jim, represented Manawatu between 1965–68 and 1972–83 respectively.