[3][4] At Christ's College, Helmore played for the school 1st XV rugby team in 1879 and 1880.

In his first match in Australia, Helmore was well involved, scoring three tries in the 33–0 win over Cumberland County.

He was then picked for the match against Northern Districts, scoring two drop goals in the 29–0 win.

With a crowd of 4500 watching, New Zealand won 21–2 with Helmore scoring his fourth try of the tour.

[5] Helmore was picked for the games against Western Districts at Bathurst, and New South Wales at Sydney but he did not score.