Abbie Shadbolt


Albert "Abbie" Shadbolt was a New Zealand rugby union and professional rugby league footballer who played representative rugby league for New Zealand.

Playing career

Shadbolt began his career playing rugby union for the Merivale club alongside fellow future New Zealand rugby league international Bill Mitchell. He represented Canterbury XV in 1909 and 1910.
In 1912 Shadbolt switched codes and was part of the first ever Canterbury rugby league side. Canterbury went down 4-5 to Wellington on 7 September.
In 1913 Shadbolt played for St Albans in the new Canterbury Rugby League competition and again played for Canterbury. He was selected in the New Zealand side that toured Australia and played against New South Wales during the season. He later joined the Federal club.
He again played for Canterbury in 1920. In 1921 Shadbolt toured Australia for New Zealand under coach Jim Rukutai.
After retirement Shadbolt served as a referee.