The Invincibles: Passport applications

Passport files of individuals would not usually be recommended for retention as a public archive, this is partly due to the large number of applications processed every year and partly due to the medium term business value that the records have to both individuals and the Department of Internal Affairs. However, we do hold some passport application files for well known New Zealanders such as the 1924/5 All Blacks squad, commonly known as The Invincibles. The file in which the application forms and photos are found is digitised and you can see some of the key images in this gallery. Though listed in the file title and mentioned in correspondence, we do not hold the application or passport photo for Cecil Badeley. Team manager Stanley Dean is included in the file alongside delegate Samuel Wilson.

The Invincibles was a nickname given to the 1924–25 All Blacks squad which toured the United Kingdom, Ireland, France and Canada. The team was captained by Cliff Porter, and included top players George Nepia and brothers Cyril and Maurice Brownlie. Between September 1924 and February 1925, the team played 32 games including four test matches, one each against Ireland, England, Wales, and France. They won all 32 games, scoring 838 points and only having 116 points scored against them.

Archives New Zealand Reference: ACGO 8333 IA1 1349 15/11/17721