Background
Allen was born in Oamaru, New Zealand.
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Fred Allen
Edit ProfileEducation
He was educated in Christchurch (though he did not attend secondary school), and played for the Linwood club
Career
After captaining the Canterbury Colts in 1938, he was selected for Canterbury in 1939. During World World War II Allen served as a lieutenant in the 27th and 30th Battalions in the Pacific and Italy. He played for service teams including the 2nd NZEF "Kiwis" Army team that toured Britain following the war.
When he returned to New Zealand he settled in Auckland as a women"s clothing manufacturer.
He played for Auckland Grammar Old Boys 1946-1948, and was selected for the All Blacks in 1946. In 1949 he was selected as captain of the All Blacks for the 1949 tour to South Africa.
Although each test match was very close, the All Blacks lost the series 4–0. Allen retired from playing after the series.
He became an All Blacks selector, before becoming All Blacks coach in 1966.
A fierce but very effective coach, Allen picked up the nickname of "The Needle". The New Zealand Rugby Football Union awarded Allen the Steinlager Salver in 2002, and in 2005 Allen was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame. Allen developed leukaemia and died on 28 April 2012.
He had moved into full-time care on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula, north of Auckland.
Tests: 6 (6 as Captain) Games: 15 (15 as Captain) Total Matches: 21 (21 as Captain) Test Points: 0pts Game Points: 21pts (7t, 0c, 0p, 0dg, 0m) Total Points: 21pts (7t, 0c, 0p, 0dg, 0m).
Achievements
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In the New Year 1991 Allen was appointed as an Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to rugby. In the Queen"s Birthday 2010 Allen was appointed as a Knight Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby. Following the death of Morrie McHugh on 25 September 2010, Allen had been the oldest living All Black.
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Born
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Died
April 28, 2012 (aged 92) -
Nationality
New Zealand