All Blacks Connection

[Richard Weller]

The success of the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup provides an
opportunity to mention a WELLER connection.

Edward, one of the 'Whaling Wellers' of Otago, had a daughter Nani
(Maori for Anne,) who married Daniel ELLISON (or Raniera Erihana.)
Daniel and Nani had twelve children, of whom the third was Tame
(Anglicised as Tom.) He won a scholarship to Te Aute College, Hawke's
Bay, and having inherited his father's concern for Maori grievances,
became a solicitor.

However, he is better known for his sporting prowess, especially
rugger. He was the first Maori to play rugby for New Zealand and went
on tour with the national team to Australia and England in 1888-89.
He was the team's champion half-back, and the darling of the crowds.
It was claimed that 'his weight, speed and wriggling runs invariably
enabled him to score.' 'Invariably' is a slight but excusable
exaggeration, for he did score 43 tries on the 54 match tour.

It was Tom who suggested the 'All Black' strip. His proposal as team
captain to the first annual general meeting of the New Zealand Rugby
Football Union in 1893 that the team's uniform should be a black
jersey with silver fern emblem, black cap and stockings and white
knickerbockders was adopted. A few years later it was decided to wear
black shorts instead of knickerbockers.

In 1902 Tom was the first Maori to be called to the Bar. Sadly, a
promising career was cut short by mental illness and he died in 1904
aged about 38.

Richard

[David Weller]

Thanks Richard,
You may not be aware but a young player who became an All Black two years
ago but who did not make the Rugby World Cup squad in 2011 may also have a
connection with the Weller family . Tamati Ellison must be related I have
not seen any evidence .
David

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[Julia Weller]

Richard,

Thanks for this fascinating history. Here's a link about a more recent descendant of Tom Ellison and Edward Weller which was sent to me by a NZ friend and avid supporter of the ABs.

http://stats.allblacks.com/asp/profile.asp?ABID=1099

Regards,

Julia

Richard

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[Julia Weller]

I just sent a link about him! Yes, I think he is related.