Albert Asher

Arapeta Paurini Wharepapa, or Albert Asher as he was more commonly known, (3 December 1879 in Tauranga – 8 January 1965 in Auckland) was a New Zealand dual-code international rugby union and professional rugby league footballer of the 1890s, 1900s, 1910s and 1920s . At representative level Asher played rugby union for New Zealand, North Island, and Auckland playing on the Wing and played rugby league at representative level for Australasia, New Zealand, Auckland and the New Zealand Māori rugby league team. One of his brothers, Ernie, was also a rugby league international while another, John, became a Ngati Pukenga and Ngati Pikiao leader. Katherine Te Rongokahira Parata was a sister.

Asher was only 11 years old when he played his first senior representative game of rugby union, playing for Tauranga against Rotorua. Eighteen months later he played against Auckland, becoming the youngest senior representative on record. Asher moved to Auckland, joining the City club and he made his Auckland debut in 1898. He won a cap for New Zealand against Australia at Sydney Cricket Ground on 15 August 1903, scoring a try. While Asher only played in one Test match he played in 11 games for the All Blacks and scored 53 points.