17 December 2009 Rugby World Cup - Lincoln University connection 'should continue'

 

 

In this rare flashback photo to the days of the 2003 World Cup, the four ex-Lincoln University students in that year's 30-strong Cup squad are shown with the Assistant Coach who was also a former Lincoln student.

 

They are, from left: Richie McCaw, a Lincoln University Excellence Scholar and Bachelor of Agricultural Science student; Greg Somerville, a Diploma in Farm Management student of 1998; Dave Hewett, a Bachelor of Commerce and Management graduate of 1994; Assistant Coach Robbie Deans, an Agricultural Commerce student at Lincoln University in 1978; and captain Reuben Thorne, a Bachelor of Resource Studies student in 1993.

 

Back in the inaugural World Cup in 1987, Lincoln University had four former students in the squad - Albert Anderson, Andy Dalton, Bruce Deans and Craig Green.

 

With that 1987 campaign there was another Lincoln University connection. Senior Lecturer in Farm Management Neil Gow, himself a Lincoln graduate, served on the New Zealand Rugby Football Union's World Cup Venues Committee.

 

Neil is pictured here with another ex-Lincoln student who went on to the All Black captaincy - the legendary Sir Wilson Whineray. In addition to his rugby, Sir Wilson had an outstanding career in the business world connected with timber and he received the prestigious Bledisloe Medal in 2006 for his contributions to New Zealand's interests in that area.

 

Sir Wilson captained the Lincoln University First XV in 1957 while studying for a Diploma in Valuation and Farm Management and today he maintains links through an honorary association with the Lincoln University Rugby Club.

 

Neil Gow, who has contributed to national and provincial rugby in numerous capacities, is a Life Member of the club. As a student he played in the Lincoln University First XV under the captaincy of another student who went on to All Black fame, the celebrated Kel Tremain.

 

Lincoln University's All Black connections run to over 30 players who have been students at the institution at one time or another.