Robert Orchard (rugby league)

For the British radio journalist and presenter, see Robert Orchard.

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, Bay of Plenty, Auckland and Queensland, as a prop, or second-row.

Robert Orchard

Personal information
Full name	Robert Ian P. Orchard
Playing information
Position	Prop, Second-row
Club Years Team Pld T G FG P ≤1965–66 Ngongotaha 1967–72 Ellerslie Redcliffe Mt Isa Mackay Wynnum-Manly Total 0 0 0 0 0 Representative Years Team Pld T G FG P ≤1965–66 Bay of Plenty 1965–72 New Zealand 18 5 4 0 23 1967–72 Auckland 1972 New Zealand Māori 1973 Queensland 2 0 0 0 0
Source:

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.