Out of the Melrose club Calnan made his debut for the Wellington provincial team as a nineteen-year old, in 1895.
[2] Unfortunately his career took a turn for the worst as he was accused of using coarse language and being intoxicated at an after-match gathering at the conclusion of the Auckland game, once the touring party had returned to New Zealand.
[2] After serving his suspension he returned to provincial rugby and was a part of the Wellington team that won the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in the existence of the trophy, after defeating Auckland 6-4, on 6 August 1904.
[2] At the end of 1904 a list was released for possible candidates for the famous Original All Blacks tour the following year.
[2] Calnan may have been employed at the Wellington City Council[3] and at one point was also a successful rugby union referee.