Career
He played 61 matches for New Zealand—a record for All Black appearances that stood until surpassed by Kevin Skinner in 1956–and scored 21 tries. These matches included eight tests. He captained the All Blacks on 19 occasions, including on the 1928 tour of South Africa.
Their brother Laurie also made an appearance for the All Blacks, in 1921.
All three brothers represented Hawke"s Bay and played as loose forwards. Brownlie gave service during both world wars.
From 1915 to 1919 he served in the New Zealand Mounted Rifles Brigade, including 2½ years in the Middle East, reaching the rank of corporal. During World World War II he served in Number.
4 Squadron, Independent Mounted Rifles, part of the Home Guard, from 1940.
Brownlie died in Gisborne on 21 January 1957, and was buried at Taruheru Cemetery.
