Tom French, from Ngāti Hikairo, played for New Zealand Māori during the 1910s, being Buller’s sole representative in the national squad and he has the distinction of taking the field in the first game ever played at Eden Park. After having lost his arm during World War One, French turned his attention to coaching New Zealand Māori. His contribution was recognised in 1949 with a cup that bears his name being presented to the best Māori rugby player of each season.