Ken English
# Ken English

Kenneth "Ken" Hamilton English (9 January 1927 – 24 February 2016) was a New Zealand rugby league footballer who played in the 1950s. He played at representative level for New Zealand (Heritage No. 328), and Wellington, as a prop, i.e. number 8 or 10, during the era of contested scrums.

## Playing career

A New Zealand Police officer, English switched codes from rugby union in the later 1940s, joining the St. George club in the Wellington Rugby League.

In 1947 English was part of the Wellington side that defeated the West Coast 11–4 to win the Northern Union Cup for the first time. In 1949 he was part of the Southern Provinces team that held the touring Australian side to 17–15.

### International honours

After a brilliant trial, English made his New Zealand national rugby league team debut against the 1951 touring French side. With teammate Johnny Dodd, English was selected on the 1951-1952 tour of Great Britain and France. He played in 14 games on the tour, scoring three tries, but never played another test match.

## Later years

English later served on the Wellington Rugby League board and was involved in acquiring Rugby League Park for Wellington. He was awarded life membership of both the Wellington Rugby League and the New Zealand Rugby League.

English died in Masterton on 24 February 2016.

