Downing relocated to Auckland at the end of 1912 and was recruited by Auckland Marists on the strength of his playing and the links with the Napier Marists.
He was the club's first All Black, joined shortly after by Jim "Buster" Barrett.
Downing's debut match was against Australia in Wellington on 6 September, which the All Blacks won easily 30–6, bettering Australia "in every respect".

He was subsequently selected for the tour of North America the same year.
On 10 September, the eve of departure, Wellington took on the All Blacks in a "thrilling" game which saw the visitors nearly defeated.
With the wind behind them in the first half, the All Blacks gained a 13-point lead; but in the second half, Wellington came back strongly; and with a drop-goal in the final three minutes, closed the lead to just one point, 19–18.
There was strong back play on both sides; amongst the forwards, one player from each side received special mention in the press: Downing for the All Blacks, Miller for Wellington.

It is possible that Downing might not have been selected for the tour had he not moved to Auckland.
As it was, he played in 14 of the 16 matches, and contributed 6 tries for 18 points towards a total tally of 610 points.
There was little interest in the American press about the tour.
A single short paragraph in the New York Tribune reports on the 51–3 defeat of the All America team on 15 November.
In New Zealand, meanwhile, detailed match reports were coming in, and many of these were full of praise for Downing.
Of all the players in the USA match, four would die in the Great War: Deke Gard, the USA captain (died 29 September 1918); and three All Blacks: Henry Dewar, George Sellars and Downing himself.

In 1914, Downing was again selected for the Inter-Island match in Wellington on 9 June, which the South won 8–0.
Later in the year, four of Downing's Marist teammates were with him in the All Black side selected to tour Australia: Barrett, five eighths Jock McKenzie, who had transferred from Wellington, and fullback Jack O’Brien, a founding member of the club.
The All Blacks played Wellington again on the day before leaving for Australia, this time losing 19–14, Downing contributing a try.
Downing played in 10 of the 11 matches, including the 3 tests, and was praised for his line-out ability.
In the first test on 18 July, he was, according to The Star, "easily the best forward in the team", and after the second test, The Southland Times opined that "it is quite possible that before he leaves the lengthy Aucklander may prove himself to be included in the star category of New Zealand forwards."

In an obituary, Downing was described as "big, strong, fast, brainy, clever with hands and feet, dashing, and resourceful."
He was best known for his work in the line-out and in the loose, equally good in attack as in defence.
He played hard but clean.
Such was his devotion to rugby that Downing had a tattoo on his left forearm of the Ranfurly Shield.
Downing relocated to Auckland at the end of 1912 and was recruited by Auckland Marists on the strength of his playing and the links with the Napier Marists. He was the club's first All Black, joined shortly after by Jim "Buster" Barrett. Downing's debut match was against Australia in Wellington on 6 September, which the All Blacks won easily 30–6, bettering Australia "in every respect".
He was subsequently selected for the tour of North America the same year. On 10 September, the eve of departure, Wellington took on the All Blacks in a "thrilling" game which saw the visitors nearly defeated. With the wind behind them in the first half, the All Blacks gained a 13-point lead; but in the second half, Wellington came back strongly; and with a drop-goal in the final three minutes, closed the lead to just one point, 19–18. There was strong back play on both sides; amongst the forwards, one player from each side received special mention in the press: Downing for the All Blacks, Miller for Wellington.
It is possible that Downing might not have been selected for the tour had he not moved to Auckland. As it was, he played in 14 of the 16 matches, and contributed 6 tries for 18 points towards a total tally of 610 points. There was little interest in the American press about the tour. A single short paragraph in the New York Tribune reports on the 51–3 defeat of the All America team on 15 November. In New Zealand, meanwhile, detailed match reports were coming in, and many of these were full of praise for Downing. Of all the players in the USA match, four would die in the Great War: Deke Gard, the USA captain (died 29 September 1918); and three All Blacks: Henry Dewar, George Sellars and Downing himself.
In 1914, Downing was again selected for the Inter-Island match in Wellington on 9 June, which the South won 8–0. Later in the year, four of Downing's Marist teammates were with him in the All Black side selected to tour Australia: Barrett, five eighths Jock McKenzie, who had transferred from Wellington, and fullback Jack O’Brien, a founding member of the club. The All Blacks played Wellington again on the day before leaving for Australia, this time losing 19–14, Downing contributing a try. Downing played in 10 of the 11 matches, including the 3 tests, and was praised for his line-out ability. In the first test on 18 July, he was, according to The Star, "easily the best forward in the team", and after the second test, The Southland Times opined that "it is quite possible that before he leaves the lengthy Aucklander may prove himself to be included in the star category of New Zealand forwards."
In an obituary, Downing was described as "big, strong, fast, brainy, clever with hands and feet, dashing, and resourceful." He was best known for his work in the line-out and in the loose, equally good in attack as in defence. He played hard but clean. Such was his devotion to rugby that Downing had a tattoo on his left forearm of the Ranfurly Shield.
Albert Downing