Bernard Clement O'Dowda

Bernard O'Dowda, Indian born and educated at Christ's College, Finchley, London, came to New Zealand in 1895 in his early 20s after playing for the Brighton club and representing the Sussex county in Britain. He was quickly at home in Taranaki and as a rugged forward who was for the times a hefty man at more than 90kg he was soon in the provincial side.

Known by the nickname, "Barney," O'Dowda was a regular Taranaki representative between 1895 and 1902, making such an impression that in 1897 he was chosen in the New Zealand side for a tour of Australia. But he was one of four players who after selection had to withdraw because of their inability to travel.

Instead O'Dowda had to wait another four years before finally getting his chance at national level. In 1901 he was in the New Zealand side which won a practice match against Wellington before beating the touring New South Wales side at Athletic Park 20-3.

Those were to be O'Dowda's only appearances for his adopted country.

But after becoming established in Taranaki firstly as a brewer and then an oil driller O'Dowda and his family became leading rugby identities in the province.

Through three generations someone from the O'Dowda clan played both for the province and as stalwart members of the powerful Tukapa club in New Plymouth.

Barney's son, Clem, represented Taranaki in the 1930s and in the 1960s members of a third generation, Barry a fullback and Bobby a five eighths were also Taranaki provincial players.

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