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Rory Fallon
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Rory Michael Fallon (born 20 March 1982) is a New Zealand former professional footballer who played predominantly as a forward.

Key Information

He previously played for Barnsley, Shrewsbury Town, Swindon Town, Swansea City, Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town, Yeovil Town, Aberdeen, St Johnstone, Bristol Rovers, Scunthorpe United, Dorchester Town. He was also capped by New Zealand a total of 24 times, scoring 6 goals. He represented his country at both the 2010 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Nations Cup. He was born and raised in Gisborne. His father Kevin managed New Zealand over a four-year period in the 1980s. He retired from professional football in November 2017.[2]

Playing career

[edit]

Club career

[edit]

Born in Gisborne, Fallon started his career at Barnsley, becoming a professional in 1999 after moving up through their trainee programme. He had just begun to cement his place in the first-team when he suffered a stress fracture of his foot, which saw him struggle to regain his place.

Fallon was signed for an undisclosed fee by Swindon Town in November 2003 after a number of impressive performances against them with Barnsley, which caught the eye of manager Andy King. After breaking into the team he scored a number of important goals in the 2003–04 campaign; including an overhead kick from the edge of the box to secure a point against Bristol City.[3]

Despite the departure of Tommy Mooney, Fallon found himself regularly on the bench in the 2004–05 season. He was loaned out to Yeovil Town to increase his confidence and he scored on his debut against Scunthorpe United.[4] He failed to score in the remainder of the season, but a red card for kicking Huddersfield Town defender David Mirfin in the face meant he missed the opening two games of the following season. After Sam Parkin was sold in summer 2005, Fallon was given greater opportunities to play at Swindon, scoring on his return to action against Nottingham Forest.

He signed for League One team Swansea City in January 2006 for a fee believed to be £300,000, the second highest fee ever paid by the Welsh club. A productive year followed for the striker, scoring 13 goals in all competitions from 48 appearances. This prompted interest from Championship side Plymouth Argyle and they paid £300,000 for Fallon on 19 January 2007.[5]

Fallon had only started a handful of games for Plymouth Argyle, and had struggled to get into the team. He went without a competitive goal at Home Park until 19 January 2008, exactly one-year after he signed for the club, when he scored a second half equaliser against Southampton. It was only his fourth goal for the Pilgrims. The 2007–2008 campaign saw Fallon continue to be a regular bench warmer, but he continued with his optimistic attitude that he can become a first team regular, and even rejected a £250,000 move to League One side Southend United,[6] in January 2008.

On 29 September 2009, Fallon scored the winning goal for Plymouth against Peterborough United earning the Pilgrims their first win of the season after seven straight defeats, lifting them off the bottom of the table. Fallon then scored the opening goal in Argyle's next game against Scunthorpe United which they also won 2–1.

On the opening day of the 2010–11 season, Fallon played the full 90 minutes and was the provider for Luke Summerfield's winning goal in Plymouth's 1–0 win over pre-season promotion favourites Southampton. In November, he joined Ipswich Town on short loan,[7] returning to Plymouth in January.[8]

In August 2011, Fallon signed a one-month contract with Yeovil Town after a short trial and featured in all five of Yeovil's games during that period.

In September 2011, he signed a two-year deal with Scottish Premier League club Aberdeen.[9] Fallon's time at Aberdeen was notable for his performances in the 2011–12 Scottish Cup. After scoring in Aberdeen's 4–0, 4th round victory over Forfar Athletic,[10] he set up Aberdeen's opener in the 5th round 2–1 win over Queen of the South.[11] Fallon then scored both goals in the 2–1 quarter final win against Motherwell[12] to become the Player of the Round.[13] Although Aberdeen lost the semi-final at Hampden Park 2–1 against Hibernian,[14] Fallon's second half equaliser went on to be voted the PFA Goal of the Season.[15] On 13 May 2013 Fallon was released by Aberdeen having scored three league goals in 35 appearances.

Fallon joined Scottish Premier League side St Johnstone in July 2013 on a free transfer,[16] the deal was completed in time for Fallon to play a part, if called upon, in St Johnstone's UEFA Europa League second qualifying round tie against Norwegian Tippeligaen side Rosenborg.[17] On 31 January 2014, Fallon left St Johnstone by mutual consent.[18]

In February 2014, Fallon joined Crawley Town until the end of the 2013–14 season.[19]

In September 2014, Fallon joined Scunthorpe United on a short-term deal.[20] Fallon scored on his Scunthorpe début in a 3–2 loss to Oldham Athletic on 27 September 2014.[21]

In January 2016, Fallon joined Bristol Rovers on non-contract terms until the end of the season. He made his debut as a 76th-minute substitute, in a 1–0 loss to Accrington Stanley F.C.[22] In the summer of 2016, he Joined National League South club, Truro City F.C. as a player-coach but had his contract cancelled by mutual consent in December 2016.[23]

On 26 July 2017, Fallon joined National League side Torquay United, on non-contract terms, ahead of the 2017–18 season.[24] He played one match for Dorchester Town.

International career

[edit]

Despite being born in New Zealand and having a father who coached New Zealand at the 1982 World Cup,[25] Fallon chose to represent England at junior level. He played international football for England at U16, U17, U18, U19 and U20 levels and switched when FIFA changed the eligibility rules.[26]

He did, however, represent New Zealand in an unofficial U-16 World Cup in France in 1998, the Montaigu Tournament, where Wynton Rufer was the coach.[27] Shortly after, he departed for England to be an apprentice at Barnsley.

In January 2006, New Zealand coach Ricki Herbert suggested that Fallon might still get a chance to represent New Zealand at senior level. Herbert claimed that the only reason why Fallon wasn't picked was due to lack of correspondence from FIFA regarding this matter. Fallon had until he was 21 years old to get clearance from FIFA to change his association. It found, however, that Fallon did not apply in the 2004 window to change allegiance for over-21s players. This year-long window was made available by FIFA upon introduction of a rule which allows players with dual nationality to switch their allegiance before their 21st birthday. Under this criterion Fallon could not be available for New Zealand.

On 3 June 2009, FIFA Congress passed a motion removing the age limit for changing associations for players who had already played for a country's national team at youth level under article 18 of the Regulations Governing the Application of the FIFA Statutes. This allowed for the possibility of Fallon again representing New Zealand.[26]

In August 2009, Fallon was called up to the New Zealand squad for a friendly against Jordan the following month and the crucial two-legged World Cup play-off matches against Bahrain later in the year.[28] Fallon scored on debut in the match against Jordan, which New Zealand won 3–1.

On 14 November 2009, Fallon headed home the only goal just before half-time in the second leg of New Zealand's World Cup qualifier against Bahrain, to send New Zealand to the FIFA World Cup in South Africa, their first appearance at the finals in 28 years.[29] Fallon played in all three of New Zealand's finals games.

He was recalled into the New Zealand camp for their World Cup play-off loss to Peru in November 2017. Following these matches, he announced his international retirement.[2][30]

Coaching career

[edit]

After retiring, Fallon worked with Plymouth Argyle's under-14 players.[31] In mid-October 2019, Fallon was appointed assistant manager for the New Zealand national football team under manager Danny Hay.[32]

In November 2021, Fallon was appointed head of youth development at Wellington Phoenix, also coaching the under-19s team[33] before becoming manager Waterside Karori of the Central League in December 2023.[34] In January 2024, Waterside Karori announced that they had ended Fallon's contract by way of mutual consent before the season started.[35]

In February 2024, Upper Hutt City announced Fallon as their head coach for the 2024 season.[36][37]

Career statistics

[edit]

Club

[edit]

Reference[38][39]

Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
Club Season League National Cup League Cup Other Total
Division Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals Apps Goals
Barnsley 1999–2000 First Division 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2000–01 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0
2001–02 9 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 10 0
2002–03 Second Division 26 7 1 0 1 0 1 0 29 7
2003–04 16 4 0 0 1 0 1 0 18 4
Total 52 11 1 0 3 0 2 0 58 11
Shrewsbury Town (loan) 2001–02 Third Division 11 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 11 0
Swindon Town 2003–04 Second Division 19 6 0 0 0 0 2 1 21 7
2004–05 League One 31 3 3 0 2 0 3 1 39 4
2005–06 25 12 1 1 1 0 2 1 29 14
Total 77 22 4 1 3 0 7 3 91 26
Yeovil Town (loan) 2004–05 League Two 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 1
Swansea City 2005–06 League One 17 4 0 0 0 0 3 1 20 5
2006–07 24 8 3 0 1 0 0 0 28 8
Total 41 12 3 0 1 0 3 1 48 13
Plymouth Argyle 2006–07 Championship 15 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 15 1
2007–08 29 7 1 0 2 0 0 0 32 7
2008–09 44 5 1 0 1 0 0 0 47 5
2009–10 33 5 2 0 1 0 0 0 36 5
2010–11 League One 28 4 1 0 1 0 1 0 31 4
Total 149 22 5 0 5 0 1 0 160 22
Ipswich Town (loan) 2010–11 Championship 6 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 1
Yeovil Town 2011–12 League One 5 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 6 0
Aberdeen 2011–12 Scottish Premier League 21 2 5 4 1 1 0 0 27 7
2012–13 14 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 16 2
Total 35 3 7 5 1 1 0 0 43 9
St Johnstone 2013–14 Scottish Premiership 8 1 1 0 1 0 2 0 12 1
Crawley Town 2013–14 League One 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 0
Scunthorpe United 2014–15 League One 4 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 5 3
Bristol Rovers 2015–16 League Two 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0
Truro City 2016–17 National League South 12 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 14 0
Torquay United 2017–18 National League 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0
Dorchester Town 2017–18 SFL Premier Division 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 2 0
Career total 423 76 21 6 15 1 19 4 478 87

International goals

[edit]
New Zealand score listed first, score column indicates score after each Fallon goal.[40]
International goals by date, venue, cap, opponent, score, result and competition
No. Date Venue Cap Opponent Score Result Competition
1 9 September 2009 King Abdullah II Stadium, Amman, Jordan 1  Jordan 2–1 3–1 Friendly
2 14 November 2009 Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand 3  Bahrain 1–0 1–0 2010 FIFA World Cup qualification
3 4 June 2010 Ljudski vrt, Maribor, Slovenia 7  Slovenia 1–1 1–3 Friendly
4 19 November 2013 Wellington Regional Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand 17  Mexico 2–3 2–4 2014 FIFA World Cup qualification
5 28 May 2016 Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea 19  Fiji 2–0 3–1 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification
6 31 May 2016 Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea 20  Vanuatu 4–0 5–0 2016 OFC Nations Cup

Honours

[edit]
  • IFFHS Oceania Men's Team of All Time: 2021[41]

Personal life

[edit]

Fallon's mother, Mere, is of Māori descent.[42] He has a brother called Sean and a sister called Bianca.[42]

Fallon owns a business selling ice cream for businesses and events across Yorkshire and Devon.[43]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Rory Fallon

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Rory Michael Fallon (born 20 March 1982) is a former professional footballer and current coach who primarily played as a forward. Over an 18-year playing career, he represented 15 clubs across English football's second through seventh tiers and Scotland's top flight, scoring 86 league goals before retiring in 2017 following 's unsuccessful qualifying playoff against . Internationally, Fallon earned 24 caps for the national team between 2009 and 2017, scoring six goals, including the decisive winner in a 1–0 victory over in 2009 that secured qualification for the , where finished unbeaten in the group stage against , , and . Since retiring, he has pursued coaching roles, including as head coach of City FC in 's National League since February 2024, and founded the Cowlick Creamery business in 2015 in , , relocating to Plymouth in 2016, with his wife. Fallon, the son of Kevin Fallon who served as assistant coach for New Zealand at the 1982 FIFA World Cup, was born in Gisborne and moved to England at age 17 to join Barnsley's youth academy, turning professional in 1999. His club career began with Barnsley in the English Championship, followed by loans and permanent moves to teams including Swindon Town (2003–2006), where he made over 100 appearances, Yeovil Town, and a brief stint in Scotland with Aberdeen in 2007. His longest tenure came at Plymouth Argyle from 2007 to 2011, amassing nearly 150 appearances and contributing to their promotion efforts in League One. Later clubs included Scunthorpe United, Yeovil Town again, and non-league sides like Torquay United and Dorchester Town, reflecting a journeyman career marked by physicality at 1.91 meters (6 ft 3 in) tall but hampered by injuries. On the international stage, Fallon's debut came in 2009 against , and he quickly became a key figure under coach , forming part of the squad that won the . His 2010 goal against remains a highlight, described by Fallon himself as incomparable to any club achievement: "I doubt that even if I played in the or the Champions League, nothing can compare to taking my team to the and playing in it." After the , he continued to feature in qualifiers and friendlies, earning his final cap in the 2017 playoff loss to . Post-retirement from playing, Fallon announced his exit as "a surreal feeling" after 18 years as a professional, citing the right timing to focus on family and new ventures. In his coaching career, Fallon holds a A Licence and has worked with Wellington Phoenix's since 2022, emphasizing youth development through programs like his Pro Skill Academy at City. Under his leadership, City won the playoffs in 2024, earning promotion to the National League for the 2025 season; as of November 2025, the team continues to compete in the National League.

Early life

Family background

Rory Fallon was born on March 20, 1982, in Gisborne, New Zealand, where he spent part of his early childhood before the family relocated to Auckland. His upbringing in these two locations exposed him to diverse environments, with Gisborne representing his roots and Auckland providing urban opportunities that influenced his development. Fallon's father, Kevin Fallon, played a pivotal role in shaping his early life and interest in football. Kevin served as the assistant coach for the national team, known as the All Whites, during their historic qualification campaign for the , and later managed the team for a three-year period in the mid-1980s. The family's close connection to the sport meant Rory was immersed in it from a young age, often accompanying his father to training sessions and matches. This familial influence fostered Fallon's passion for football, as he regularly trained with his father at Mairangi Bay park in before school each day. These early routines built his skills and dedication, laying the groundwork for his later involvement in structured youth programs. Fallon is of descent through his mother, Mere, whose Ngāti Porou tribal affiliations contribute significantly to his cultural identity. This heritage has been a point of pride for Fallon, connecting him to New Zealand's indigenous traditions and distinguishing him as one of the few players to achieve prominence in international football.

Youth development

Rory Fallon attended and in during his early teenage years, where he honed his football skills alongside his education. In his youth, Fallon gained early representative experience playing for Auckland-based teams, including junior football with North Shore United, which provided him with competitive exposure in regional competitions. He also featured prominently in school football at , contributing to the team's development under influential coaching. At age 16 in 1998, Fallon moved to for trials and joined Barnsley's youth academy as an apprentice, marking a pivotal step in his . This relocation allowed him to immerse himself in the English academy system, training rigorously and progressing through the club's youth ranks. Eligible to represent England due to his father's Yorkshire heritage, Fallon opted for the English youth setup and earned caps at U16, U17, U18, and U19 levels between 1998 and 2001. He participated in several youth internationals, including tournaments that showcased his goal-scoring ability. Notably, Fallon was England's top scorer at U17 level with five goals, demonstrating his potential as a forward. These experiences in the academy and international youth environment provided Fallon with advanced tactical exposure and physical conditioning essential for his transition to senior football.

Playing career

Club career

Fallon turned professional with in 1999, having progressed through the club's youth academy. He made his senior debut in the First Division during the 2001–02 season, featuring in 9 matches without scoring. The following year, after Barnsley's relegation to the Second Division, he became a more regular fixture, scoring 7 goals in 26 league appearances and netting his first senior goal for the club. A brief loan to Shrewsbury Town followed in December 2001, where he made 11 appearances without scoring. In the 2003–04 season, Fallon made 16 appearances and scored 4 goals for in the Second Division before transferring permanently to Town in November 2003 for an undisclosed fee reported around £50,000–£110,000, where he added 19 appearances and 6 goals that season. He remained at for the 2004–05 League One campaign, scoring 3 goals in 31 games. He also had a short to Yeovil Town in League Two during 2004–05, scoring once in 6 outings. After 25 appearances and 12 goals for in the first half of 2005–06, Fallon transferred to City in January 2006 for £300,000, scoring 4 goals in 17 League One appearances that season and 8 goals in 24 the following 2006–07 season. His contributions helped build momentum toward their 2007–08 League One title win and promotion to the , though he departed midway through the 2006–07 campaign. In January 2007, he moved to Plymouth Argyle for £300,000, staying until 2011 and making 149 appearances with 22 goals across the and League One following their 2010 relegation. He played a role in maintaining the club's second-tier status initially and later in their League One consolidation, including a brief to Town in 2010–11 where he scored once in 6 games. After Plymouth released him in 2011, Fallon signed with Yeovil Town for the 2011–12 League One season, appearing in 5 matches. He then transferred to in the , contributing 3 goals in 37 appearances over the 2011–13 campaigns. In 2013, he had short stints at Crawley Town (8 League One appearances) and St Johnstone (8 games, 1 goal). September 2014 saw him join Scunthorpe United on a three-month deal, where he scored 3 goals in 4 League One outings early in the season, providing a boost as the team advanced to the play-offs and secured promotion to the . Fallon's later years involved shorter engagements amid injuries, including 3 appearances for Bristol Rovers in League Two during 2015–16, followed by spells at non-league sides Truro City (13 games in 2016–17) and Torquay United (5 games in 2017–18). Fallon announced his retirement in November 2017 at age 35, concluding an 18-year professional career with 428 appearances and 77 goals across 17 clubs, characterized by journeyman moves, loans, and contributions to promotions like Swansea's 2008 ascent and Scunthorpe's 2015 triumph.

International career

Fallon initially represented at youth international levels, earning caps at under-16, under-17, under-18, under-19, and under-20 levels between 1998 and 2001. These appearances initially restricted his senior eligibility under rules, but a change in international transfer regulations in 2009 allowed him to switch allegiance to , the country of his birth. He received his first senior call-up to the All Whites under coach that year, marking the start of his international career at age 27. Fallon made his senior debut for New Zealand on 9 September 2009 against Jordan in a friendly match ahead of World Cup qualifiers, where he won a penalty and scored a headed goal to help secure a 3-1 victory. Over the next eight years, he earned 24 caps and scored 6 goals for the All Whites. His early contributions included a crucial headed goal against Bahrain on 14 November 2009 in the FIFA World Cup play-off second leg, securing a 1-0 win and New Zealand's qualification for the 2010 tournament on aggregate. At the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, Fallon featured in all three group stage matches, starting against Slovakia (1-1 draw) and Paraguay (0-0 draw), and substituting in against Italy (1-1 draw), as New Zealand finished unbeaten but exited in the group phase. Fallon continued to be a reliable presence for the All Whites in regional competitions, participating in the where New Zealand reached the final but lost to as runners-up. He also played in the 2017 OFC Nations Cup, scoring twice against in the group stage to aid New Zealand's successful title defense. Fallon appeared in all three of New Zealand's matches at the , including the 2-1 group stage loss to . His international career concluded in November 2017 after a play-off defeat to , where he was recalled for the matches. Throughout his tenure, Fallon was recognized as a key forward in New Zealand's "golden generation," providing experience and goal-scoring threat during a period of notable international success.

Coaching career

National team roles

Following his retirement from playing in 2017, Rory Fallon transitioned into coaching and was appointed assistant coach for the national team, known as the All Whites, in October 2019 under head coach . This role marked a return to the national setup where Fallon had previously starred as a player, including scoring the decisive goal in the 2009 playoff against that qualified New Zealand for the . During his tenure from 2019 to 2022, Fallon contributed to the All Whites' FIFA World Cup qualification campaign, including guiding the team through the OFC qualifiers and the 2022 intercontinental playoff, where lost 1-0 on aggregate to in June 2022. His experience as a former forward informed his tactical responsibilities, particularly in developing attacking strategies for forwards and optimizing set-piece routines, leveraging his own career highlights such as headers from corners and free kicks. Fallon also played a key role in youth development within 's national football structure, serving as assistant coach for the New Zealand U23 team preparing for the 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), where he drew on his international playing background to mentor emerging talents and integrate them into senior pathways. This involvement helped bridge the gap between youth and senior levels, emphasizing technical skills and tactical awareness informed by his professional career across and . Fallon's tenure with the All Whites concluded in 2022 following the playoff, allowing him to pursue expanded opportunities in club youth programs. During this period, he obtained his UEFA A , which bolstered his credentials for high-level national team work and future roles in player development.

Club coaching and management

In early 2022, Fallon joined the Wellington Phoenix academy as head of youth development, also coaching the under-19 men's team until December 2023. In this role, he focused on fostering emerging talent and integrating youth players into professional pathways. Following his time at the Phoenix academy, Fallon had a brief tenure at Waterside Karori AFC, where he was appointed head coach in December 2023 for the upcoming season but parted ways in January 2024 before any matches were played. In February 2024, Fallon was named head coach of Upper Hutt City FC, succeeding fellow former All White Stu Jacobs, with a mandate to elevate the team's performance in the Capital Football league through youth integration and tactical discipline. Under his guidance, the club achieved significant improvement, culminating in a playoff victory in September 2024 that secured promotion to New Zealand's Central League for the 2025 season. This success highlighted Fallon's ability to foster team cohesion and player development, drawing on his UEFA A License and experience in youth academies. By September 2025, Fallon took on the additional position of Director of Football at City FC, allowing him to oversee broader strategic operations while maintaining hands-on involvement in coaching. In this role, he launched the UHCF x Rory Fallon Pro Skill Academy, a six-week youth program starting in October 2025 at the Campus of Innovation and Sport, aimed at enhancing technical football skills and goalkeeping for junior players aged 8 to 14. The initiative emphasized individualized mentoring, mental resilience, and clear pathways to senior teams, aligning with Fallon's overarching philosophy of building sustainable talent pipelines informed by his professional playing background and FA Youth Modules certification. Fallon's club management approach prioritizes technical proficiency and psychological preparation, as evidenced by several young players from 's academy progressing to first-team opportunities during the 2025 season, contributing to the club's competitive edge in the . This focus on holistic development has positioned Upper Hutt City as a hub for emerging talent in .

Career statistics

Club appearances and goals

Rory Fallon's professional club career from 1999 to 2017 encompassed 478 appearances and 87 goals across all competitions, including league matches, domestic cups, and loans. His contributions were particularly notable in the and , with key performances in promotion pushes and cup runs. The following table summarizes his statistics by major clubs, incorporating appearances and goals.
ClubYearsAppearancesGoals
1999–20045811
Swindon Town2003–20069126
Swansea City2005–20074813
Plymouth Argyle2007–201116022
2011–2013439
Other clubs*1999–2017786
Total1999–201747887
*Includes spells at Shrewsbury Town (loan), Yeovil Town, Ipswich Town (loan), St Johnstone, Crawley Town, Scunthorpe United (loan), Bristol Rovers (loan), Truro City, Torquay United, and Dorchester Town. Fallon's statistics reflect approximately 95 appearances in the , primarily with and Plymouth Argyle, where he contributed to midfield and forward roles during competitive seasons. In League One, his standout 2005–06 season with Swansea City featured 42 league appearances and 16 goals en route to a mid-table finish, though the team achieved promotion the following year after his departure. In the , he recorded 35 league appearances for amid limited starts. Loans, such as his 2014 stint at Scunthorpe United, added impact with 3 league goals. All data excludes post-2017 non-professional appearances.

International goals

Rory Fallon scored a total of six goals in 24 appearances for the national team, spanning friendlies, qualifiers, and the OFC Nations Cup. His scoring debut came in a friendly against , marking an important step in his international career. One of his goals was netted during the , New Zealand's triumphant tournament where they claimed the title.
DateOpponentScoreCompetitionDescription
9 September 2009Jordan3–1FriendlyLooping header in the 45th minute to make it 2–1 in a 3–1 victory.
14 November 2009Bahrain1–02010 FIFA World Cup play-offHeader from a corner just before halftime, clinching qualification for New Zealand's first World Cup in 28 years.
4 June 2010Slovenia1–3Friendly12-yard volley in the 20th minute to equalize during a World Cup warm-up match.
20 November 2013Mexico2–42014 FIFA World Cup play-offLate strike in the 83rd minute, reducing the deficit in the second leg of the intercontinental playoff.
28 May 2016Fiji3–12018 FIFA World Cup qualificationTap-in from a close-range rebound in the 41st minute.
31 May 2016Vanuatu5–02016 OFC Nations CupBending finish in the 19th minute, capitalizing on defensive error in the group stage.

Honours and achievements

Club honours

During his club career, Rory Fallon contributed to several promotion campaigns with his teams, though major honours were limited.

International recognition

Rory Fallon's participation in the marked a significant milestone for , as he was part of the All Whites squad that qualified for their second-ever appearance in the tournament finals. His headed goal in the 45th minute of the second leg against in the intercontinental play-offs on , 2009, secured a 1-0 aggregate victory and propelled New Zealand to , ending a 28-year absence from the . This achievement, often referred to as the "$10 million goal" due to the qualification prize money, cemented Fallon's status as a national hero and highlighted the growth of football in . During the tournament, Fallon featured in all three group stage matches for in Group F, contributing to their historic unbeaten run despite not advancing. The All Whites drew 1-1 with , 1-1 with —the reigning champions—and 0-0 with , finishing with three points and becoming the only winless team to exit the group stage undefeated. Fallon's physical presence as a forward helped anchor the defense-minded strategy under coach , providing aerial threat and holding up play in a campaign that showcased New Zealand's resilience on the global stage. Fallon's broader legacy in international football extends beyond the , with his contributions earning widespread recognition in . He was part of the squad that won the . Post-tournament, he was celebrated for embodying the spirit of the All Whites' overachievement, receiving acclaim from fans and media as a key figure in elevating the profile of the national team. His six international goals, including the decisive strike against , underscored his impact in crucial matches, while his involvement in subsequent campaigns, such as the victory, further solidified his reputation as a pivotal player in 's regional successes.

Personal life

Family and heritage

Rory Fallon married Carly in the mid-2000s after meeting her during his playing days in , where the couple initially shared a social lifestyle centered around . Together, they discovered in 2007, influenced by Carly's mother, a devout believer who prayed for Fallon, and a teammate's ; this led to their joint in January 2008. Fallon has described this transformation as shifting from a life "living for the weekends" to one dedicated to glorifying God, crediting his faith for personal discipline, including abstaining from alcohol, and on-field successes like his pivotal 2009 qualifier goal. Fallon moved from to at age 15 to join Barnsley's youth academy, with his parents accompanying him for trials before returning to . This move marked the beginning of extended periods abroad, as Fallon pursued professional opportunities across , , and , while maintaining strong ties to his Gisborne roots. He is the son of former New Zealand national team coach Kevin Fallon, who served as assistant coach at the and led the All Whites in the late 1980s, and this instilled a deep footballing ethos from childhood. Fallon possesses Māori heritage through his mother's Ngāti Porou lineage, which has shaped his cultural identity and public persona. He has actively embraced this background, advocating for increased participation in football to inspire youth and address historical underrepresentation. Post-retirement in 2017, Fallon's faith has continued to guide his life, informing community work such as supporting underprivileged children through initiatives like Faith and Football, and emphasizing purposeful living over past excesses.

Business ventures

Following his retirement from professional football in 2017, Rory Fallon shifted focus to , launching and expanding The Cowlick Creamery, an artisan business he co-founded with his wife Carly in , , in 2015. The venture specialized in premium, handmade ice creams using locally sourced organic cow's milk and double cream, offering wholesale supplies to businesses, retail sales, and event catering across the region. In 2016, the business relocated from to Plymouth in , establishing a new base in Estover to tap into the area's tourism and local markets, where it gained recognition for its indulgent flavors, sorbets, and even lactose-free treats for dogs. By 2017, Fallon committed full-time to the operation after hanging up his boots with Yeovil Town, describing it as a passion project inspired by family traditions and a desire for creative independence outside football. The Creamery later moved production to , , maintaining its emphasis on high-quality, event-focused distribution while adapting to retail demands. Fallon's entrepreneurial pursuits extended beyond ice cream into youth football development upon his return to New Zealand in the early 2020s. In 2025, as Director of Football for Upper Hutt City Football, he spearheaded the launch of the Pro Skill Academy, a branded six-week youth skills program aimed at enhancing technical abilities for junior and youth players, combining coaching expertise with structured training sessions at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport. This club initiative, led by Fallon, leverages his UEFA A license and professional background to foster emerging talent.

References

  1. https://www.transfermarkt.us/rory-fallon/profil/spieler/46109
  2. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/42139461
  3. https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/56632
  4. https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2024/02/09/former-all-white-rory-fallon-replaces-stu-jacobs-as-upper-hutt-city-coach/
  5. https://www.barnsleychronicle.com/article/7232/rory-licks-competition-in-new-ice-cream-role
  6. https://www.nzedge.com/news/rory-fallons-ice-cream-business-hits-plymouth/
  7. https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/former-plymouth-argyle-favourite-rory-800369
  8. https://nz.linkedin.com/in/rory-fallon-50a4b4210
  9. https://www.linkedin.com/posts/rory-fallon-50a4b4210_what-a-great-year-its-been-in-my-first-season-activity-7241281828857294848-mzTv
  10. https://www.transfermarkt.com/upper-hutt-city-fc/spielplan/verein/31860
  11. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/fifa-world-cup/all-whites/3575932/Rory-Fallon
  12. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/gisborne-herald/sport/gisborne-links-in-all-whites/PWFQ76H7PZGX7BC2OUOWP7ZMVA/
  13. https://www.metromag.co.nz/city-life/city-life-sport/kevin-fallon-may-well-be-new-zealands-best-football-coach-so-why-does-he-keep-getting-fired
  14. https://inside.fifa.com/news/evergreen-fallon-revelling-as-nz-s-elder-statesman-2875344
  15. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/football/all-whites/soccer-rule-change-revives-dream-for-fallon/FBFUYFEH2HGVBKSIYFDNVCJWZI/
  16. https://www.worldsoccer.com/world-soccer-latest/rory-fallons-long-wait-to-represent-new-zealand-was-worth-it-writes-paul-moon-293129
  17. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/football/all-whites/soccer-prodigal-son-back-in-favour/36EMQMMJUEH3Q3KYPPKCNQ5ECE/
  18. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/football/soccer-fallon-jun-englands-top-scorer/FRLU5CZ2PX7GFTD4HTP4573CQY/
  19. https://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/green-barmy-link-between-captain-965263
  20. https://www.mags.school.nz/the-school/our-soccer-history/
  21. https://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/paulfletcher/2009/12/rory_fallon_new_zealands_new_s.html
  22. http://www.englandfootballonline.com/matchrsl/MatchRslTmU17.html
  23. https://fbref.com/en/players/4ab4976e/Rory-Fallon
  24. https://www.skysports.com/football/news/2230647/duo-leave-gay-meadow
  25. https://www.townenders.com/profile.php?person_code=FALLONRO
  26. http://www.sporting-heroes.net/football/ipswich-town-fc/rory-fallon-10124/league-appearances_a29348/
  27. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/29366085
  28. https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/sport/255643/fallon-signs-with-scunthorpe
  29. https://www.fotmob.com/en-GB/players/25600/rory-fallon
  30. https://www.oceaniafootball.com/archives-8941/
  31. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/360612279/former-all-whites-forward-rory-fallon-relives-his-famous-goal-against-bahrain-wellington-15-years
  32. https://www.swanseacity.com/news/world-cup-swans-rory-fallon
  33. https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40265265
  34. https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2023/12/04/former-all-whites-striker-rory-fallon-named-head-coach-at-waterside-karori/
  35. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/116763189/break-from-football-leaves-rory-fallon-recharged-and-ready-to-rejoin-the-all-whites
  36. https://www.nzfootball.co.nz/newsarticle/83540
  37. https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2022/6/14/qatar-world-cup
  38. https://www.upperhuttcityfootball.org.nz/uhcf-x-rory-fallon-pro-skill-academy/
  39. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/football/nz-teams/126649930/rory-fallon-providing-invaluable-lessons-as-he-returns-to-bahrain-with-the-all-whites
  40. https://wellingtonphoenix.com/news/all-whites-assistant-coach-joins-the-phoenix-academy/
  41. https://kids.kiddle.co/Rory_Fallon
  42. https://www.friendsoffootballnz.com/2024/09/14/day-of-reckoning-settles-central-league-participation-for-next-season/
  43. https://www.facebook.com/UpperHuttCityFootball/posts/-junior-club-update-firstly-we-would-like-to-thank-jane-for-taking-on-the-junior/1372824928187173/
  44. https://www.sporty.co.nz/viewform/368690
  45. https://www.facebook.com/UpperHuttCityFootball/
  46. https://www.soccerbase.com/players/player.sd?player_id=21849
  47. https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/33361/Rory_Fallon.html
  48. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/2850562/New-Zealand-beat-Jordan-in-football-friendly
  49. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/289222/new-zealand-slovenia
  50. https://www.transfermarkt.us/spiel/index/spielbericht/1008811
  51. https://www.espn.com/soccer/match/_/gameId/382242/mexico-new-zealand
  52. https://www.gettyimages.in/detail/news-photo/rory-fallon-of-new-zealand-celebrates-a-goal-against-mexico-news-photo/450710791
  53. https://www.oceaniafootball.com/archives-6893/
  54. https://www.fifa.com/en/news/articles/new-zealand-heroes-bahrain-play-off
  55. https://ernestanderson.com/2010/03/10/christian-testimony-43/
  56. https://www.christiantoday.com/news/from-living-for-the-weekends-to-living-for-god
  57. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/sport/football/soccer-fallon-million-pound-player-in-england/UPJYT7AJYCFHAI62QUFJKJKCIE/
  58. https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/fifa-world-cup/all-whites/3843815/All-Whites-could-boost-Maori-participation
  59. https://www.facebook.com/TheCowlickCreamery/
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