Jack Harris' chief claim to rugby fame perhaps lies in the fact that he was beaten for the fullback's spot in the All Black team for the tour of Britain and France in 1924/5 by a then unknown Maori teenager, George Nepia. Until the sudden emergence of the man who would become the star of the "Invincibles", Canterbury's Harris was considered to be the leading contender to be the touring fullback. And in his autobiography Nepia talks with some feeling how deeply sorry he felt for Harris when the team selection was read out. The two men had been the opposing fullbacks in the final trial and as such exchanged pleasantries after the match. Despite his natural disappointment in missing out Harris appears to have been a man made of stern stuff. For Nepia also relates that Harris took his knockback bravely and offered Nepia himself genuine congratulations. Harris eventually did gain the All

Jack was born in 1903 and died 1944 in Italy. he was one of 8 Children born to William George and Letitia Harris of Christchurch - If you have any information or are related to this family PLEASE make contact with me -- Many thanks