William Sorensen (6 April 1932 – 25 January 1996) was a New Zealand rugby league footballer who represented in the 1954, 1957 and 1960 World Cups.
Playing career Sorensen was a member of the Ponsonby United Rugby League Club and represented Auckland.Centenary Test marks first International on home soil rleague.com, 22 October 2010
He played in twenty four tests for the New Zealand national rugby league team, including seven games at the 1954, 1957 and 1960 World Cups. He was selected to go on the 1955–56 New Zealand rugby tour of Great Britain and France. After the 1957 World Cup Sorensen played for the Rest of the World against Australia.
Sorensen also represented the New Zealand Māori side. In this period, players of other Polynesian backgrounds were also selected for the team. He retired following the 1960 World Cup.Coffey, John and Bernie Wood Auckland, 100 years of rugby league, 1909-2009, 2009. . p.183.
In 1963 Sorensen was player-coach for a New South Wales country team.
Coaching career Sorensen was the Auckland coach when they competed in the grand slam in 1977, defeating Australia, France and Great Britain in a three-week period.Warriors to mark 30th Anniversary of Auckland's unique grand slam warriors.co.nz, 19 August 2007
He also served as a selector for the New Zealand national rugby league team.Lion Red Rugby League Annual 1991 New Zealand Rugby League, 1991. p.19
Personal life Sorensen's brother Dave also played for the Kiwis as did two of his nephews; Dane and Kurt.Coffey and Wood The Kiwis: 100 Years of International Rugby League
Sorensen died in 1996, leaving behind his widow Olga.
His daughter is Debbie Sorensen a prominent Pacific Health leader
Sorensen's grandson is Penrith Panthers and Kiwis forward Scott Sorensen.
Legacy Sorensen was made a life member of the New Zealand Rugby League in 1991.
He was inducted into the New Zealand Rugby League's "Legends of League" in 2000.Legends of League New Zealand Rugby League
References