Unmarked grave of early All Black Ned Davy finally honoured

Monday, 2 March 2026

Pioneer All Black Edwin 'Ned' Davy's cleaned up grave with a plaque organised by the New Zealand Remembrance Army and Wellington Rugby.

Ned Davy’s grave was so overgrown you could not have told who was there. But behind the weeds was one of the most foundational All Blacks and Wellington rugby players of the country’s early years.

Edwin “Ned” Davy’s grave in Karori Cemetery - where he was buried with his sister and brother-in-law after cremation - had long been left to its own devices.

But now between the New Zealand Remembrance Army and Wellington Rugby - a new plaque helps remember the man who was the 19th All Black.

Managing director of the Remembrance Army Simon Strombom said Davy was an early rugby pioneer.

A foundational figure in New Zealand sport and service, he was All Black number 19, Wellington Lions number 6, and a respected leader both on and off the field.

Edwin 'Ned' Davy was All Black number 19.

Beyond rugby, Davy served with distinction in the South African War, rising to become commanding officer of both the 4th and 10th New Zealand Contingents.

Strombom said after his playing career, Davy continued to serve Wellington rugby as a player, selector, and mentor, helping shape the game during its formative years and leaving a lasting legacy within the province.

Despite all that, Davy’s grave remained unmarked for decades.

“The placement of a headstone has now ensured his service to both country and sport is properly acknowledged,” Strombom said.

The project was carried out by the New Zealand Remembrance Army, whose mission is to identify, restore, and commemorate the graves of those who shaped New Zealand’s military, sporting, and civic history.

“This is exactly why we exist — to restore, to remember, and to ensure those who shaped our nation are never forgotten,” Strombom said.

The previously overgrown grave of pioneer All Black Edwin 'Ned' Davy at Karori Cemetery.

'It's great to see Wellington Rugby recognising those who shaped the game in Wellington and New Zealand.'

The Remembrance Army has been finding the graves of all the past All Blacks and are currently organising headstones for the first All Black try scorer and others around the country along with its work of finding veterans.

Davy was born in Taranaki in 1850, educated in Auckland and moved to Wellington where he made his provincial debut for the Wellington representative side in 1877.

A halfback, he was selected to tour New South Wales with the first New Zealand national team in 1884, playing three matches.

He served in the Second Boer War, first with the Fourth Contingent and later, after recovering from enteric fever, with the North Island regiment of the 10th Contingent.

He was awarded the Imperial Volunteer Officers’ decoration for long service in March 1902.

During World War I he tried to return to active service, but was rejected because of his age and instead served as staff adjutant for the Wellington Military District of the National Reserve.

Davy died in Khandallah in1935. From his debut in 1884 until his death he was the oldest living All Black.

Wellington Rugby CEO Tony Giles said it was an incredible feat and a huge amount of work went into unearthing the unmarked grave for such a special and inspiring individual.