Lance Todd

Lance Todd
Born	(1883-05-26) 26 May 1883 New Zealand
Died	14 November 1942(1942-11-14) (aged 59)
Occupation(s)	Rugby league player, coach, administrator, commentator
Years active	Early 1900s–1940
Known for	Rugby league player for New Zealand, Wigan, Dewsbury; manager of Salford; BBC Radio commentator; Lance Todd Trophy namesake

Lancelot Beaumont "Lance" Todd (26 May 1883 – 14 November 1942) was a rugby league player and administrator originating from New Zealand in the early 1900s. He represented New Zealand on the 1907–1908 Great Britain tour and played professionally in England for clubs including Wigan and Dewsbury. Later in his career, Todd managed Salford, guiding the team to three Rugby Football League Championships and one Challenge Cup triumph.

Early life

Todd received his education at Kings College during its tenure in Remuera, Auckland, prior to its move to Ōtāhuhu. Following his schooling, he pursued training as a tailor. His father, John Todd, was a notable sporting personality in Ōtāhuhu, particularly within horse racing circles, holding the position of vice president of the Otahuhu Trotting Club until his passing in 1920.

Rugby in New Zealand

Todd’s rugby journey began with the Suburbs club in Ōtāhuhu, a team comprising players residing beyond a 10-mile radius from central Auckland. He later transferred to the City club in 1905 and then to Parnell in 1906. Making his debut for the Auckland side in 1905, he scored a try and successfully kicked two conversions against Hawke's Bay. That same year included a tour of Sydney with the City team and appearances for City Oddfellows.

Although Todd never earned selection for the All Blacks due to intense competition, he was considered an exceptional talent within Auckland rugby circles. After participating in multiple trial matches, his appearances for Auckland became intermittent between 1906 and 1907.

He was chosen for the professional All Blacks during the 1907–1908 tour of Great Britain and Australia, resulting in a permanent ban from the New Zealand Rugby Union. Todd played a key role in organizing this tour and served on its Management Committee. Throughout the tour, he distinguished himself in rugby league by participating in four Test matches and scoring eight tries overall. Notably, he was one of five players who decided to remain in Great Britain once the tour concluded.

Rugby League in England

Following the tour, Todd signed with Wigan for £400 and was appointed captain. He became a prominent centre with 186 appearances and was later joined by fellow tourists Massa Johnston and former All Black Charlie Seeling.

Todd played at centre during Wigan’s narrow 10–9 win over Oldham in the 1908 Lancashire Cup Final of the 1908–09 season at Wheater's Field, Broughton, on 19 December 1908. He also scored a try in Wigan’s 21–5 victory against Rochdale Hornets during the 1912 Lancashire Cup Final held at Weaste, Salford, on 11 December 1912.

At the conclusion of the 1908–09 Northern Rugby Football Union season, Todd featured at centre as Wigan secured the Championship Final win over Oldham. Additionally, he participated in Wigan’s inaugural Rugby League Challenge Cup Final appearance, which ended in defeat to Broughton Rangers in 1911.

The Auckland Rugby League gained recognition from England’s Northern Rugby Football Union as New Zealand’s official rugby league authority, with Lance Todd serving as their representative delegate based in England. In 1909, he officiated Auckland’s first sanctioned match against Taranaki at Victoria Park on 9 August and also refereed the subsequent return fixture five weeks later in New Plymouth.

In November 1910, Todd appeared twice for Lancashire, contributing two tries and two goals that helped secure the county championship. In a surprising move during 1914, he transferred to Dewsbury for a then-record fee of £450—equivalent to roughly £139,900 in 2013 terms. His time at Dewsbury was interrupted by his enlistment with the ANZACs during the First World War.

Later life

In 1928, Todd assumed the role of team manager at Salford, steering the club away from financial instability to become a leading contender. Throughout the 1930s, under his guidance, Salford achieved three League Championships, captured five Lancashire League titles, secured four Lancashire Cups, and triumphed in the 1938 Challenge Cup Final with a 7–4 victory over Barrow at Wembley Stadium before an audience of 51,243. His tenure at Salford continued until August 1940, when his contract was not renewed due to the uncertainties brought on by wartime conditions.

Additionally, starting in 1933, Todd gained recognition as a Rugby League commentator for BBC Radio, frequently delivering match commentaries throughout that decade.

Personal life and death

On 7 May 1911, Todd married Amy B. Samuels, whose late father, Charles Samuels, had been distinguished both as a rugby player and sprinter. The couple had one daughter, Patricia Elaine Todd (1922–2004).

Prior to his management position at Salford, Todd was proprietor of the Silver Grid located on King Street and also managed the Ship Hotel in Millgate.

Todd’s life ended in a motor vehicle accident on 14 November 1942. While serving as a commandant for Salford's Home Guard during World War II, he was involved in a fatal collision while returning from duty in Oldham. Attempting to avoid a tram, his vehicle collided with a lamppost, resulting in the deaths of both Todd and Colonel Frank Sewell. Two passengers seated in the rear survived the incident. Todd was laid to rest at Wigan (Ince) cemetery.

Legacy

Todd’s contributions as both a manager and broadcaster are honored through the Lance Todd Trophy, presented to the most outstanding player in the Challenge Cup Final.

In recognition of his influence on the sport, he was named among the first group of "Legends of League" by the New Zealand Rugby League in 2007.

External links

• Lance Todd on the Wigan RL Fansite
• Lance Todd at wiganwarriors.com