Conrad "Con" E. Byrne was a New Zealand rugby footballer who was part of the professional 1907-1908 New Zealand rugby tour of Great Britain.

[edit] Early Years

Originally from Nelson, Bryne was a farmer by trade.^[1] Byrne played rugby union for Wellington and was part of the side that won the Ranfurly Shield.

[edit] Rugby League

Byrne was selected for the professional All Blacks in their 1907-1908 tour of Great Britain and Australia. Like all players on the tour he immediately received a life ban from the New Zealand Rugby Union. In the second test against Australia Byrne captained the side to a 24-12 victory that clinched the series. Byrne played in three test matches while on tour.

In 1908 and 1909 Bryne played for Wellington, including in matches against Taranaki. In 1909 Bryne again toured Australia with the New Zealand side, captaining the side in all three test matches.

In 1910 Bryne joined the North Sydney club in the NSWRL Premiership and later moved to Huddersfield for two seasons.^[2]

By 1913 Byrne had returned to New Zealand and was selected to be part of the tour of Australia, playing in his seventh and final test match.

[edit] References