Robert Orchard (rugby league)
# Robert Orchard (rugby league)

Robert Orchard is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1960s and 1970s. He played at representative level for New Zealand (Heritage No. 443), Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Queensland, as a prop, or second-row, during the era of contested scrums.

## Playing career

Orchard originally played for Ngongotaha and represented Bay of Plenty.

In 1967 Orchard moved to the Ellerslie club in the Auckland Rugby League competition and became an Auckland representative. In 1968, Auckland defeated Canterbury 29-15 during Queen's Birthday weekend.

He played for the New Zealand Māori side in 1972.

In 1973 Orchard moved to Queensland and represented the state, playing two games against New South Wales. While in Queensland, Orchard spent time with Redcliffe, Mt Isa, Mackay and Wynnum-Manly.

## International honours

Orchard first represented New Zealand while at Bay of Plenty in 1965 against Great Britain and France (3-matches). He again played for the Kiwis in 1966 against Great Britain and, while at Auckland, in 1967 against Australia (2-matches), in 1970 against Great Britain (3-matches), in 1971 against Australia, Great Britain (3-matches), and France (3-matches), and in 1972 against Australia.

## Genealogical information

Orchard is the brother of the fellow New Zealand international Phillip, two other brothers, Eddie and John, both also played for Ngongotaha.

