Anthony Cottrell (rugby union)
A tough All Blacks hooker from the inter-war period who later helped steer Canterbury rugby from the committee room.
1907–1988 (age 81)·NZ international rugby union player·Birthday: February 10·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Anthony 'Beau' Cottrell's story is one of grit on the field and governance off it. In the late 1920s, the solidly built forward fought his way into the famed black jersey, earning his place in the front row during a challenging era for New Zealand rugby. He faced the British Lions and the fierce Wallabies in test matches, his 11 international caps a testament to his durability and skill in the tight five. After hanging up his boots, Cottrell didn't walk away from the game. He channeled his understanding of its demands into administration, joining the powerful Canterbury Rugby Union's management committee. There, he helped shape the structures that would nurture the province's future talent, ensuring his connection to the sport lasted decades beyond his final scrum.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Anthony was born in 1907, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Anthony Was Born
The biggest hits of 1907
Anthony's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1907Born
Financial panic grips Wall Street
President: Theodore Roosevelt
1912Started school
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1920Became a teenager
Women gain the right to vote in the US
Home: $3,395President: Woodrow Wilson"Swanee" — Al Jolson
1923Could drive
The Great Kanto earthquake devastates Tokyo
President: Calvin Coolidge"Yes! We Have No Bananas" — Billy Jones
1925Could vote
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Turned 21
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1937Turned 30
Hindenburg disaster; Golden Gate Bridge opens
Gas: $0.20/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"A-Tisket, A-Tasket" — Ella FitzgeraldBest Picture: The Life of Emile Zola
1947Turned 40
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1957Turned 50
Sputnik launches the Space Age
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $10,550Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"All Shook Up" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: The Bridge on the River Kwai
1967Turned 60
Summer of Love in San Francisco; first Super Bowl
Gas: $0.33/galHome: $14,250Min wage: $1.40/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"To Sir, with Love" — LuluBest Picture: In the Heat of the Night
1977Turned 70
Star Wars premieres; Elvis dies
Gas: $0.62/galHome: $31,800Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Jimmy Carter"Tonight's the Night" — Rod StewartBest Picture: Annie Hall
1987Turned 80
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1988Died at 81
Pan Am Flight 103 bombed over Lockerbie
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $74,800Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Faith" — George MichaelBest Picture: Rain Man
Key Achievements
- Earned 11 test caps for the All Blacks as a hooker and prop between 1929 and 1932.
- Played 22 total matches for New Zealand, including tours and domestic fixtures.
- Served on the management committee of the Canterbury Rugby Union after his playing career.
Did You Know?
His nickname 'Beau' was a common moniker for handsome or stylish sportsmen of his era.
He played his provincial rugby for the Canterbury representative side.
His All Blacks career coincided with the early years of the team's growing international legend.
“You don't win a Test match in the front row by being a gentleman; you win it by being harder.”
