KEITH BAGLEYMANAWATU: 1952-1954 (18 games)In a brief career, Bagley could have been an All Black

for many years. As it was, he played 30 matches for New Zealand on the 1953-54 tour of Britain before retiring from top-class rugby in 1954 aged only 23. Bagley made an immediate impact on arriving in Manawatu in 1952, being made captain in just his fourth game. Outstanding in the tight, Bagley was one of the best lineout jumpers of his era and put in a huge performance for Manawatu against Australia in 1952.

RON HORSLEYMANAWATU: 1962-1964 (37 games)Horsley more than lived up to his nickname of “Honest

Ron”. There was no more consistent or hard working lock in the country. He played every game for Manawatu in 1962 after arriving from Wellington. His form for Manawatu helped him to earn selection for New Zealand’s 1963-64 tour of Britain. He had previously been part of the All Black team that toured South Africa in 1960. He was one of the biggest men in New Zealand rugby in the early 1960s.

JOHN LOVEDAYManawatu: 1969-1979 (65 games)Loveday was the perfect foil for the likes

of Strahan and Callesen. Early in 1978 with the retirement of Callesen, Loveday took over as Manawatu’s top lock. That added impetus to Loveday’s game and by the end of the season he was in the All Blacks team to Britain. He played seven games on that grand slam tour. A powerful scrummager and mauler, Loveday was one of only three men to play in all 15 matches during Manawatu’s Ranfurly Shield era.

SAM STRAHANMANAWATU: 1965-1976 (70 games)Strahan was the first Manawatu born-and-bred

player to play a test for the All Blacks. His impressive Ranfurly Shield challenge against Hawkes Bay in 1967 propelled him into All Black calculations. Later that season, Strahan debuted against Australia at Athletic Park. He played 45 All Black games, the last in 1973. When injuries hit in 1976, he returned to help Manawatu in two successful Shield defences. In an era when the lineout was a free for all, Strahan stood out with his two-handed takes.

FRANK OLIVERManawatu: 1980-1983 (50 games)After 11 seasons of first-class rugby in the

deep south, Oliver shifted to Manawatu in 1980. Debuting in the green-and-white aged 31, the change of scenery reignited his rugby career. Oliver played some of the best rugby in 1980, helping Manawatu to the first-division title. His form saw him recalled to the All Blacks for the tour of Wales. A tough uncompromising lock and tireless worker, Oliver played 43 games for New Zealand.

PROFILES: NICK RUTHERFORD

JOHN CALLESENManawatu: 1970-1978 (93 games)Callesen sprang to national attention with the NZ Juniors in 1972 and for Manawatu in a Shield challenge against North Auckland

when he and Sam Strahan helped Manawatu win the lineout count 35-9.

Callesen was at his peak in 1977. Not only was he the best lock in the

country, he was one of the top players overall. Bigger and

stronger than ever, his galloping runs brought crowds at the Oval to their

feet. He played 18 games for the All Blacks between 1974 and 1976.