The Weekend Sun
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All Black still holds Bay rugby records When he retired from Bay rugby in 1982 at the age of 33, he threw himself into work, moving up to sales manager, then general manager of the Radio Network, with a little on-air sports commenting on the side. He says he succeeded in the office thanks to principles he learnt in his rugby days. “I set definite objectives in rugby and I did the same at work. I always did more work, more training than others – I’d always had to do that because I was always smaller than everyone else.”
Tried golf
Greg is retired now, living in Te Puna. He says he tried to become a golfer, which didn’t go so well and even had a shot at twilight cricket. He refused to play Golden Oldies rugby until he was over 50, but the hits coming from 35 year-old players proved a bit too
Greg Rowlands.
When the All Blacks take on France this weekend in the Rugby World Cup final, Greg Rowlands will be watching the game among the fans at Eden Park. But Greg is more than just a fan – with a name indelibly marked across the history books of Bay of Plenty rugby and a stint in the black jersey himself as All Black number 769. Originally a first five eighth, he got his start in Bay rugby in 1969. He first trialled for the All Blacks the next year, but it wasn’t until 1975 Greg was finally selected into the reserves for the national side at age 28. He went on to play a series of four uncapped games in Buenos Aires in late 1976, scoring a total of 44 points as an All Black kicker. But it’s in the Bay where Greg really left his mark. He still holds the Bay of Plenty records for most points scored in one season, most points scored in a career and most games played in a career – and he’s also listed as the fifth player in New Zealand rugby history to score 1000 points. Greg moved to Tauranga as a five year old and started playing rugby in primary school (barefoot, of course), then played through secondary school at Tauranga Boys’ College. Things weren’t easy for him – he was always the smallest kid on the field and stayed that way right through his career; measuring 1.7m tall and just 74kg during his playing days.
Part-time professional player
Despite moving into representative rugby, Greg still had to work as the players back then received no pay. He picked up jobs, but they were never as important as his rugby. At one point he was even given a job as a builder by a rugby fan. “I wasn’t a great builder, but all the boss cared about was how my rugby was going, so I managed to keep the job.” Later, Greg joined the Radio Network as a sales executive. Again, rugby was still the priority. “I’d do my work in the morning, then in the afternoon I’d go out and work on my kicking. But they didn’t know I was doing that.”
much, so he bowed out. He still relives his rugby playing days often, however, meeting up with old teammates every week for a yarn.
Passing on rugby legacy
An active Tauranga Sports Life Member, Greg still gives back to the game locally, advising promising players in the Bay Colts levels. “I was given outstanding advice when I was about 18 by Mark Nicholls. He came up to me after a game and said ‘try this, try that’ and it made a huge difference to my game. “Someone stopped me and told me he was the captain of the All Blacks in the 1920s. “I had no idea who he was.” Greg is also ready to share his experiences with his grandchildren, should they show an interest in the game. “The youngest – he’s not even one year
HAPPENED TO? old, but he’s already got a rugby ball. I won’t put pressure on him, but if he wants to play, I’ll give him some help.” Ever wondered where your favourite teacher, a local politician or beauty queen ended up? During the coming months, The Weekend Sun is investigating just what happened to some of these figures. Want to know where someone ended up? Put us to the task! Email your suggestions to; laura@thesun.co.nz. By Hannah Keys