Barney Armit

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Barney Armit, born Alexander McNaughton Armit, was a New Zealand rugby player who lived from March 27, 1874 to November 12, 1899. He was a fast wing who played for Kaikorai, Otago, and the South Island, and he toured with New Zealand in 1897.

Armit was born in Inverkeithing, Scotland. He joined Kaikorai in 1892 and began playing for Otago in 1893, continuing with both teams until his death. He also played for the South Island in 1897. Otago joined the New Zealand Rugby Football Union in 1895, which allowed Otago players like Armit to be selected for the national team.

In 1897, Armit was chosen for New Zealand’s tour of Australia. He played nine matches and scored seven tries, earning 21 points. He was known for his speed and his ability to hurdle opponents.

Tragically, Armit was seriously injured during a provincial match between Otago and Taranaki. He attempted to hurdle an opponent, Alfred Bayly, who grabbed him by the ankles, causing Armit to fall and injure his spine. He died eleven weeks later in Dunedin at the age of 25, becoming the first New Zealand international to die from rugby injuries. He worked as a firefighter.