Considered a pacific pioneer in New Zealand rugby, Solomon became the first Samoan to play for the All Blacks.

It was at that time Solomon spent his last school days at Seddon Memorial Technical College (now Auckland University of Technology).

With Islanders being something of a novelty in New Zealand back then, it was automatically assumed his skin owed its colour to Maori blood, and into the team he went.

Surprisingly, that was the end of his international football, although he remained an Auckland regular until shortly before the war, eventually playing 54 games in the blue and white.

There was a feeling this may have been a mistake, especially early in the tour when the All Blacks were still struggling to come to grips with the three-fronted scrum and an experienced head may have proved invaluable.

A delightful character, he rose to a high position in Samoan society and, when the big migration to New Zealand started in the 60s and 70s, he was a man of some influence in this country.

Former All Black flanker Josh Kronfeld is a great-nephew, and no doubt reminded some long-time followers of his famous relative.