John Gilbert (Sal) Irvine

All Blacks ID: #208

John Irvine, nicknamed "Sal", was a typically hard nosed, uncompromsing tight forward from Dunedin's celebrated Southern club. A lock in the old 2-3-2 scrum formation Irvine was a hefty man for the times, playing at 15st 7lbs or a little under 16st. His physique and strength made him a renowned scrummager.

Irvine's first representative season with Otago was in 1912 when he had the distinction of being in a side which came to Auckland for a Ranfurly Shield challenge and emerged with a 5-all draw.

In 1914 he made the South Island side and from there won selection for the All Blacks' tour of Australia. Because of World War I that was to be his only time in the All Blacks and there can only be regret that many of his best playing years were lost.

For the great hearted Irvine was a major success on tour. He played in 10 of the 11 matches including all three tests which brought the All Blacks a 3-0 series win.

By the time the war ended Irvine was in his early 30s, but he rounded out his playing days by appearing for Otago again in each of the 1918 and 1919 seasons.

Worked as a fireman.

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