Author(s): Paddy Cleary

Rugby

The book claims Frank Jervis to have been the first Rugby All Black. In 1893 he toured with the first rugby team to represent New Zealand as All Blacks, and he starred in that team. This book explores the history of Francis Mahon Jervis and his family. It outlines the characters from whom Frank Jervis descended, how they shaped him and made him what he was. One of his forebears was said to be Lord Jervis (Saint Vincent) - a character as clever at fighting sea battles as he was at hanging people. Others were convicts who were transported to Australia and about whom nothing was spoken. His mother's people, the Buddles, were among the first to bring God to New Zealand. Jervis's ancestors and his children are given a good airing, likewise the high and mighty who commanded everybody in those days. The result is interesting, surprising, contentious, probable and improbable. But most of all it is absorbing, written in an easy to understand style often about topics impossible to fathom. This book can be purchased by donation.