Overview
Terence Raymond "Terry" Lineen (5 January 1936 – 17 February 2020) was a New Zealand rugby union player best known for his time with the All Blacks in the late 1950s. A versatile back, Lineen was selected for the national side between 1957 and 1960 and appeared in 35 matches for the All Blacks, including 12 international tests. He also represented Auckland at provincial level and was born in Auckland, New Zealand.
Positions and playing style
Lineen played as a second five-eighth and a centre three-quarter, positions that in New Zealand terminology correspond to inside centre (No. 12) and outside centre (No. 13). Players in these roles are expected to combine physical defence with ball-handling, linking forwards and backs, creating attacking opportunities and defending the midfield. Contemporary accounts and team records describe him as a dependable and mobile centre typical of the era's emphasis on all-around skills.
Career and context
Selected during the amateur era of rugby union, Lineen's international career fell within a period when tours and representative matches formed the backbone of test schedules. Playing 35 times for the All Blacks, with 12 of those matches classed as full internationals, he made a sustained contribution over several seasons. At provincial level he was a regular for Auckland, helping to maintain the province's strong rugby tradition.
Legacy and significance
While not among the most widely celebrated stars of All Blacks history, Lineen's steady presence during a competitive era exemplifies the depth of New Zealand rugby. His career reflects the pathway from strong provincial play to national selection and the multi-role expectations of centres in mid-20th-century rugby.
Quick facts
- Full name: Terence Raymond Lineen
- Born: 5 January 1936, Auckland
- All Blacks: 1957–1960, 35 matches, 12 internationals (New Zealand rugby union)
- Died: 17 February 2020, Auckland, aged 84
Lineen's career is an example of a reliable international back whose contributions supported team structure and continuity during an important period for New Zealand rugby. For broader context on the role of centres in rugby union and the history of the All Blacks, see related resources linked here.