Peter Purvis Webb

Born in Wellington in 1854 and educated at Wellington College P P Webb is first recorded as playing for the Wellington club (formed 1870) against Nelson, Wanganui, an Armed Constabulary XV and Auckland teams in 1875. He remained a member of the Wellington club, captaining the side in 1887.

After the formation of the Wellington Rugby Union in 1879 Peter Webb represented the province, in the limited programme that applied for those early years, in 1882, 83, 85. His New Zealand representation came in 1884 when a side chosen from the Auckland, Wellington, Canterbury and Otago unions toured Australia. Not an original selection, Webb was called into the team when George Campbell and his replacement Arthur Cooper were both unable to obtain leave.

He justified his selection, playing in eight of the team's nine matches, including all three "tests" against New South Wales. There were no specialist forward positions in 1884 but Webb was described by the team Manager S E Sleigh as a "strong heavy forward invaluable in the scrummage. A quiet player who did a lot of really hard work".

On his return to New Zealand Peter Webb became a Wellington selector 1885, served on the Union's committee 1885, 87, as treasurer 1888 and secretary 1888, 89. He returned to Australia in 1893 with the first official New Zealand team in a role described as "Visitor, member 1884 team". That team was managed by George Campbell, the player Webb had replaced in 1884.

A civil servant, Peter Webb finished his career as Chief Audit Inspector.

(thanks to http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/Profile.asp?ABID=935)

PETER PURVES WEBB

REPRESENTED NEW ZEALAND: 1884 (8 matches)

Points for New Zealand: nil

Position: FORWARD

Born: Wellington 15 February. 1854

Died: Wellington 28 November, 1920

Provincial Record: Wellington 1875-77. 82, 83, 85 (Wellington)

Educated Wellington College. Toured Australia with the 1884 New Zealand team after replacing an original selection, George Campbell. Webb played in the three fixtures with New South Wales. He was described by the team manager, SE. Sleigh, as ‘a strong, heavy forward invaluable in the scrummage. A quiet player who did a lot of really hard work. Wellington selector 1885 and served on that union’s committee 1885, 87; treasurer 1 888; secretary 1888, 89. A civil servant who became Chief Audit Inspector.

(Thanks to http://www.wellingtonfootballclub.org.nz/Distinguished%20Axemen/da_...)