Mark Donaldson (rugby player)
| Full name | Mark William Donaldson | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Nickname | Bullet | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 6 November 1955 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Palmerston North, New Zealand | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.75 m (5 ft 9 in) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 76 kg (12 st 0 lb) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| School | New Plymouth Boys' High School | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Notable relative(s) | Frank Oliver (brother-in-law) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Occupation(s) | Hotel proprietor | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rugby union career | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Position(s) | Half-back | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand No. | 781 | ||
| Amateur team(s) | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Points) |
| 1974 1975–83 1984–85 |
High School Old Boys Hawke's Bay Te Kawau |
() | |
| Provincial / State sides | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Points) |
| 1974, 1976–85 1975 |
Manawatu Hawke's Bay |
() | |
| National team(s) | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Points) |
| 1974 1977–81 |
New Zealand Colts New Zealand
|
13 |
( (4)) |
| Teams coached | |||
| Years | Team | ||
| 1990–92 | Manawatu | ||
Mark William Donaldson (born 6 November 1955) is a former New Zealand half-back rugby union player. Donaldson played 35 matches, including 13 test matches, for the All Blacks from 1977 to 1981.
After playing in the New Plymouth Boys' High School 1st XV for two years, Donaldson made his provincial debut for Manawatu in 1974 before joining Hawke's Bay in 1975 He returned to Manawatu in 1976.
Donaldson, nicknamed "Bullet", first played at the senior national level with the New Zealand Barbarians, in 1977 in Australia. He was then selected for the All Blacks team during their tour of France in 1977, playing five matches (including two test matches).
He continued his success with the All Blacks in 1978 with wins against the teams from Australia, England, and Scotland, but missed the matches against Wales due to injury.
In March 1979, Donaldson played in South Africa with a World Invitation XV and then in the All Blacks' series against France, Australia and Scotland. He subsequently lost his regular place in the All Black team to Dave Loveridge who was regarded as a more consistent performer.
He rejoined the All Blacks for the 1980 season against Australia, but was side-lined with a broken jaw after two matches. Recovering, he played during the All Black tours of Fiji and Wales. He was an All Black half-back reserve for the 1981 series against Scotland and the South African Springboks. Significantly, his only field time was during the historic 25-22 victory over the Springboks in Auckland when, late in the game, he replaced Loveridge, who was injured. Donaldson was instrumental in setting up the penalty play which resulted in the All Blacks winning the game.
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