A former All Black instrumental in helping bring rugby legends together for a spot of bowls in Mount Maunganui will be farewelled tomorrow.

For more than 20 years Peter 'Sammy” Henderson has been the lifeblood of an annual bowls tournament for former rugby players, referees and officials at Bowls Mount Maunganui Club.

The late Peter Henderson at a previous rugby legends bowls tournament at Bowls Mount Maunganui Club. Photo: Supplied.

Sadly, Peter died on November 24 aged 88 after a colourful sporting career comprising of rugby, rugby league and a bronze medal in the 4x110 yards relay at the 1950 Empire Games in Auckland.

Born in Gisborne, Peter made his first-class rugby debut for Hawke's Bay in 1944 before moving to Wanganui as a dental technician. He played 46 times for Wanganui between 1946 and 1950, including the 20-3 loss to Otago in a 1948 Ranfurly Shield challenge at Carisbrook.

Despite being a slight winger at 1.72m and 81 kg, Peter is still credited as being one of the fastest All Blacks of all time – running 100 yards in 9.7secs.

He was the leading try scorer for the All Blacks in South Africa in 1949, scoring seven tries for the side skippered by Fred Allen.

Henderson played three tests against the touring British Isles side in 1950 and also played for Wanganui in a 31-3 loss to the Lions.

He played 19 times for New Zealand including seven tests, scoring a try on his test debut.

While playing in South Africa, Peter lost his job and accepted an invitation in 1950 to play professional league in England, scoring 633 points, including 211 tries, in 250 matches for Huddersfield between 1950 and 1957.

It was then that the Rugby Union banned him from the sport for 38 years.

A statement from Bowls Mount Maunganui Club states Peter was a long-standing member and sole surviving foundation member of the club's Rugby Tournament Committee established 24 years ago.

During the tournament's time former rugby representatives to grace the Mount bowling greens include Sir Colin Meads, Richie Guy, Snow White, Mac Herewini, and former Maori All Black Casey Wanoa.

The tournament is seen as a good way for rugby legends to get together and enjoy a relaxing game.

Peter's funeral notice reads: 'Beloved husband of the late Leonie. Much loved father and father-in-law of Ian and Sonjae, the late Mark and Annabel. Adored Grandad of Nikki, Jacob and Frankie, Bede, Chelsea and Brooklyn. Great-grandfather of Lakai and A'marni”.

'Dad, you can now rest with Mum and Mark. We will miss you dearly.

'Brooklyn and Maisey will be lost without your hugs and smiles. Special thanks to Maureen who took such good care of Dad.

His funeral service will be held at Olive Grove Cottage, Tauranga, at 2pm tomorrow. He is survived by his son Ian.