We hope you enjoy this look back as we look forward to many more years of recording the history of Wairarapa Bush Rugby Union. We acknowledge all the information from the NZ “Rugby Almanack” Series from the season’s 1934 through to 2020 and appreciate their hard and dedicated work in providing this detailed history. – Web Admin

Although on the final count Wairarapa-Bush won only five of its 14 fixtures, there were occasions when the side appeared capable of much better results. A spirited opposition to British lsies particularly by the forwards was repeated in the Ranfurly Shield challenge against Manawatu when a sustained effort by the forwards caused the Shield-holders many anxious moments. Again later in the season, North Auckland were held to a narrow victory and Waikato were beaten. Had the forwards particularly been able to maintain this standard of play throughout the season. several more games would had been won.

The selector had all the previous season’s leading forwards again available, and with the four 6 ft 4 ins men, Turley, Grant, Guscott and Clarke on hand had the nucleus of a strong pack and with Turley particularly excelling in the line-out-he played mostly from the side of the scrum with the others locking the scrum. The strong front row of Rowlands, the captain, and Sargent as props and McGlashan as hooker held its own with most opponents. Taylor was the No.8 in the earlier games but then Tuckerman, who had last represented in 1970 and then at five-eighths took over, and with his speed and anticipation was a constant threat to opposing inside backs and had an outstanding season. Mahoney was a solid flanker with Darlington a useful player Fauval and Lee were the only newcomers in the forward division, Cole having represented in 1975.

The backs were strengthened by the arrival from Taranaki of Snook, whose tactical kicking was most useful at first five-eighths. Robertson was a reliable half-back, and Blake also a good-handling first five-eighths. Huriwai was a lively and useful inside back and Patrick had another good season, playing this year mainly at centre. The introduction of several young newcomers created interest, and the 22-year old England and Paton were impressive wingers in the match against the “Lions”. Later 20 year-old Johnston and I9 year-old Spowart were the wingers and both were pacy and promising players. Cotter, an 18 year old was a versatile back, best placed at second five-eighths. The full-back Kjestrup had a very good season and is an all-round custodian of quality only 22 years old. His boot contributed 57 points towards the team’s total.

Thirty players were called on, of whom seven were in their initial season.
Blake had last represented in 1975.

No players from this Union were selected for National teams.

1977 Match Record: Played 14 : Won 5 ; Lost 9
Points : For 159 ; Against 199

Cap# & Wairarapa Bush REPRESENTATIVES 1977 {Total Games}

CAP#		PLAYER	POSITION	CLUB	PL
003		William Nepia ‘Bill’ Rowlands	Prop	Red Star	14
004		lan Francis Turley	Loose Forward, Lock	Red Star	13
022		Gary Keith McGlashan	Hooker	Red Star	14
034		Brian J. McConnochie	Flanker, Winger	Masterton	1
039		Neville Douglas Taylor	No. 8	Featherston	5
045		Nigel Peter Sargent	Prop	Featherston	14
047		Richard Ewing ‘Ritchie’ Robertson	Scrumhalf, Winger	Greytown	11
049		Ian Barry Blake	First Five	Carterton	5
060		Brian William James Clarke	Lock	Red Star	10
063		Bruce Bernard Patrick	Centre	Gladstone	12
064		Neil Francis Kjestrup	First Five, Fullback	Gladstone	12
066		John William Cole	Flanker	Greytown	1
069		Bruce H. Herangi	Scrumhalf	Masterton	2
074		Philip John Guscott	Lock	Masterton	11
079		Kevin Wayne Carter	First Five	Pahiatua	1
081		Alistar John O’Neill	First Five	Red Star	3
083		Peter C. Mahoney	Flanker	Pahiatua	11
086		Ernest John Darlington	Flanker	Red Star	9
088		Hona T. Huriwai	Utility Back	Red Star	12
093		Warren Scott Grant	Lock	East Coast	5
096		Devon N. Lee	Forward	Featherston	1
097		Clive Murdock Paton	Winger	Tuhirangi	3
098		Ian Robert Snook	First Five	Pioneer	9
099		Kerry Bruce England	Winger	Red Star	2
100		James Alfred ‘Jimmy’ Cotter	Centre	Carterton	8
101		Peter L. Johnston	Winger	Greytown	9
102		John David Tuckerman	First Five, No. 8	Red Star	7
103		Dallas Archer Spowart	Winger	Red Star	7
104		Ralph R. Fauval	Prop	Red Star	2
105		Tony Brown	Fullback	Pahiatua	1