Bernard Clement O'Dowda (23 March 1874 — 26 July 1954) was a New Zealand international rugby union player.[1]

Bernard O'Dowda
Full nameBernard Clement O'Dowda
Date of birth(1874-03-23)23 March 1874
Place of birthIndia
Date of death26 July 1954(1954-07-26) (aged 80)
Place of deathNew Plymouth, New Zealand
Height91 kg
SchoolChrist's College, Finchley
Occupation(s)Brewer / Oil driller
Rugby union career
Position(s) Forward
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1895–02 Taranaki ()
International career
Years Team Apps (Points)
1901 New Zealand

Born in India, O'Dowda received his education at Christ's College, a school in London. He was a forward and played his early rugby with Brighton, from where he earned Sussex representative honours.[2]

O'Dowda immigrated to New Zealand in 1895 and two years later was called up by the All Blacks for an Australian tour, although he proved unable to make the trip.[3] His next opportunity came in 1901 and he made two uncapped appearances for his adopted country, a practice match against Wellington and a fixture against the visiting New South Wales team.[2]

A Taranaki player, O'Dowda was the first of three generations to play for the province, preceding son Clem and two grandchildren. He was also the father-in-law of All Black Ces Badeley.[2]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ "Stir In Rugby Circles". Hawke's Bay Tribune. 4 July 1935.
  2. ^ a b c "Barney O'Dowda #88". stats.allblacks.com.
  3. ^ "Football". The Taranaki Herald. 11 June 1897.