The Davidson name needs no introduction to anyone with even the slightest knowledge of rugby in West Coast circles.

For over 130 years, the Hokitika family has been synonymous with the game, and one of West Coast's early rugby pioneers was Duncan 'Sammy' Davidson."

Davidson, a forward, was one of the provinces first representative players, when he represented West Coast in 1893, selected from the Hokitika club.

He played West Coast's first two games in their history that year, against Nelson, and Marlborough, while aged just 18. Duncan, or Sammy as he was best known, played for the West Coast each year from 1893 - 1897.

As West Coast didn't play any further representative games until 1905, he had an agonising wait until he finally got to turn out for the province again, a game against Buller, which was a 3-3 all draw at McPadden's Paddock in Westport.

This game was to be the last of his 8 caps, a career that spanned 12 years in which he scored a solitary try, which was in an 8-0 win over Nelson at Victoria Park in Greymouth, in 1895.

Following on from his representative days, Sammy continued playing club rugby, and in 1910, the July 26th West Coast Times, reported the following on Sammy's longevity in the game, and of his form at the time.

"Some football enthusiasts expressed wonder on Saturday as to how veteran Sammy Davidson keeps in form. It is stated, however, that Sam has three young footballers coming on, and gives them practical demonstrations of the game at home. Those boys of Sam’s ought to be infant prodigies in the football profession".

Of Sammy's rugby playing son's, Malcolm, a halfback, would possibly the best known, making his West Coast debut in 1929, while earning the last of his 40 caps in 1942.

Malcolm would score 7 tries, and kick 5 conversions and 5 penalties during his career, while also playing an international for West Coast-Buller in 1930 against the touring Lions, while he also played in two NZ trials in 1935.

It seems Sammy wasn't that eager to hang his boots up even into his early 40's, as the Grey River Argus reported in September, 1920, that he was still turning out for the fire brigade side.

"The Fire Brigade team for today comprises a really fine combination, containing some of the best men in the Southern Division. Devany and the veteran Sammy Davidson will be the hooker".

Duncan "Sammy" Davidson, a rugby man through and through, passed away in 1939, aged just 63, and his obituary in the Grey River Argus reflected the depth of esteem and respect in which he was held, on the West Coast.

"The death occurred to-day of Mr. Duncan Davidson, one of the best known residents of Hokitika, at the age of 63 years. Deceased, who was head of the well-known Davidson’s Foundry, established in the early days by his father, and with which he had been associated since his youth, was a most genial personality, whose passing will be regretted by a wide circle of friends. In his prime, “Sammy,” as he was familiarly known, ranked as in the forefront of West Coast Rugby footballers, being a fast, tireless forward, always the leader in attack, and noted alike for his gameness, fair play and good fellowship".

"He played as a West Coast representative as well as for the local Club in its palmiest days. The late Mr. Davidson also gave good service for many years as a member of the Fire Brigade. He leaves a widow and a family of eleven, five sons and six daughters. Messrs Gordon and Malcolm Davidson (well-known footballers), are among the sons of deceased while Mrs. H. L. Michel, Brittan Street, is a niece. The sympathy of many friends will be extended to the widow and relatives in their bereavement".

According to Clive Akers, one of New Zealand's leading rugby historians, and author of the NZ Rugby almanacs for 30 years, his records show that a total of twelve Davidson's have represented West Coast in first-class matches throughout the years, and their names and debut years are listed as follows:

Duncan "Sammy" Davidson, 1893; Malcolm Davidson, 1929; Keith Davidson, 1946; Duncan J Davidson, 1967; M. Gerard Davidson, 1975; Raymond Davidson, 1975; Bruce Davidson, 1976; Paul "Tanker" Davidson, 1981; Kevin Davidson, 1981; Gordon Davidson, 1983; John "Jack" Davidson, 1984; Mark Davidson, 1986.

The Davidson family has made significant contributions both on and off the field to the St Mary's R.F.C., Wests R.F.C., and the West Coast Rugby Union. Notably, Dicey Davidson continues to serve the community as a current board member of the W.C.R.U.

As a rugby community, we are deeply grateful for their lasting impact and dedication to the sport on the West Coast.

A very special thank you to Chris van der Schyff from Sports Sketches for these wonderful images of Sammy, and to respected rugby historians, Mike Parkinson and Clive Akers for some of there wonderful research on Sammy, and the Davidson's.