A multi-talented athlete who excelled in rugby and cricket, also serving as an umpire, earning him a unique place in New Zealand's sporting history.
Eric William Thomas Tindill was a New Zealand sportsman who made history by becoming the oldest ever Test cricketer at the time of his death, and the only person to play Tests for New Zealand in both cricket and rugby union, earning him the title of a "double All Black". Moreover, he holds the unique distinction of being the only person to play Tests in both sports, referee a rugby union Test, and umpire a cricket Test, a remarkable "double-double" achievement.
Born on December 18, 1910, in Nelson, New Zealand, Tindill was raised in Motueka and later moved to Wellington in 1922 with his family. He received his education at Wellington Technical College until 1925, after which he trained as an accountant and worked as a civil servant for 40 years in the government audit office.
Tindill was an all-round sportsman, whose interests extended beyond cricket and rugby to football and table tennis. In cricket, he played club cricket for the Midland club (now Eastern Suburbs Cricket Club) and represented Wellington in domestic first-class cricket from 1932-33 to 1949-50 as a wicketkeeper-batsman and left-handed opening batsman. He made a century on his first-class debut in January 1933, scoring 106 as an opening batsman in a Plunket Shield match against Auckland at Eden Park.
He also played five Tests for the New Zealand cricket team, including the 1937 tour of England under Curly Page, where he played in 25 tour matches, including three Test matches at Lord's, Old Trafford, and the Oval. The 1938 edition of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack noted that Tindill "did nothing out of the common with the bat, but as a wicketkeeper he was always worth his place."
In rugby union, Tindill represented New Zealand in five Tests between 1935 and 1938, including the 1935-36 tour of Britain and Ireland. He also had the distinction of refereeing a rugby union Test match.
Tindill was nicknamed "Snowy" due to his fair hair. He married his wife Mary in 1937, shortly before he left on a cricket tour to England. He was a founding member of the Wellington Table Tennis Association in 1932, demonstrating his diverse sporting interests.
Eric Tindill's remarkable sporting career spanned multiple disciplines, earning him a unique place in the history of New Zealand sports. His achievements serve as a testament to his dedication, hard work, and passion for sports. He will always be remembered as a true sporting legend and a pioneer in the world of cricket and rugby union.
Eric Tindill's extraordinary sporting career and achievements have left an indelible mark on the world of sports, inspiring generations of athletes and sports enthusiasts alike.
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