Career
A record-breaking goal-kicking fullback, he was named amongst the country"s finest players of the 20th century. His total for points scored in all matches (61) for the Kiwis is a record 467 (7 tries and 233 goals). White toured Britain with the New Zealand national team in 1951, playing in the first ever televised match of rugby league at Station Road, Swinton against Great Britain and kicking two goals.
During the 1951 French rugby league tour of Australia and New Zealand, White was selected to play for both Auckland and New Zealand at fullback.
On that tour he set another record by scoring 107 points to become the first Kiwi to top the century in Australia. White kicked 18 goals in the series, equalling the world record.
In 1954, while playing for Auckland against Great Britain, he ruptured his spleen when tackled illegally by Doug Greenall. White underwent surgery and was out of the game for two years, missing the first ever World Cup in 1954.
He scored 132 points in 21 tests, a Kiwi record until overtaken by Matthew Ridge.
His total of 467 points in 61 matches in the black and white jersey may never be overtaken now that long tours are a thing of the past White"s record 202 points on the tour of Britain and France in 1951/52 will probably last forever. Following his retirement, White became a coach and led Auckland.
He was appointed coach of the New Zealand national team in 1961, only spending one season in the position.
Des White was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1990. In 1995 he was one of the inaugural inductees of the NZRL"s Legends of League.
In 2007, White was named at fullback in the New Zealand Rugby League"s team of the century of 1907 to 2007.
