- Date of Birth19 / 01 / 1864
- Died02 / 01 / 1915
- Lions Tours1888
- International CapsLions
- Lions Origin ClubsPoneke, Queensland Reds, Cheshire, Wallaroos, Weston Turks, Runcorn RL, Charters Towers RC, Union Harriers
Although never capped in his own country, Harry Speakman was picked to Tour Australia and New Zealand in 1888 and subsequently settled in the former – later playing for Queensland.
The Runcorn back played for Cheshire and West Lancashire and Border Towns’ Union before being selected for the first ever Lions Tour.
The engine fitter scored two drop goals in his first match, becoming the first ever goalscorer in Lions history.
He went on to play 27 times, scoring six tries and a further drop goal against Queensland. When the Tour finished, he decided not to return to Britain and stayed in New Zealand.
He later moved to Australia, where he married and had three children before dying of a heart apoplexy in 1915.