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George "Jerry" Francis Burgess (20 September 1883 – 2 May 1961)[1] was a New Zealand rugby union player who represented the All Blacks in 1905. His position of choice was halfback.
| Birth name | George Francis Burgess | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date of birth | 20 September 1883 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Invercargill, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of death | 2 July 1961 (aged 77) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of death | Auckland, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation(s) | Bricklayer | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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He was born in Invercargill in 1883[1][2][3] although he was also said to have been born in October 1876.[4]
He died in Auckland in 1961, and was buried at Waikumete Cemetery.[4][5]
Burgess was commonly referred to as Jerry.[1][2][3]
He originally played as a five-eighth.[2][3]
Burgess joined the Pirates club in Invercargill and soon made his way into the Southland provincial side. He played 27 games for the union from 1902 until 1907.[3]
On the playing field Burgess was described as a "quick-passing halfback who gave good service to his backs. A reliable player who was adept at making openings".[2]
A referee also stated that Burgess was a "persistent squealer".[3]
His only match for the All Blacks was lucky to be recognised as an international. It was against Australia at Tahuna Park in Dunedin in 1905.[2][3] He was further helped with selection thanks to the famous Original's tour, meaning the top 27 players in the country had left for the northern hemisphere. Even if it was a slightly weaker side, the match was fortunately won 14–3.
He continued playing rugby for the next two seasons afterwards.
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His father was also named George. His mother's name was Elizabeth.[4]
Burgess became a bricklayer.[4]
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