Brian Lochore

Playing Rugby he made the Wairarapa primary school reps, after a trial match in which he does not remember once touching the ball! He played his first season of both senior (for Masterlon) and representative rugby in 1959, with an appearance for Wairarapa-Bush, as a flanker, against the Lions. His play in that match caused a critic T P McLean to identify Lochore as one of the most promising forwards the Lions encountered on tour.

All Black trials in 1961 and 1963 followed, before being a reserve for the one off-test against England and making his All Black debut at No. 8 on the 1963/64 tour to the United Kingdom, a tour in which he played the tests against England and Scotland.

Lochore was recalled for the 1965 series against South Africa and, as one of the best No. 8s New Zealand has produced, he became an All Black fixture. 

Coach Fred Allen appointed him All Black captain in 1966, ahead of more experienced All Blacks (Meads, Tremain, Gray, all provincial captains). It turned out to be a great choice, with Lochore proving one of New Zealand's most successful captains, with just three losses in 18 tests.

He retired from international play after the 1970 tour to South Africa. He did though come back at the selector's request for one test in 1971 to help out an injury-struck side.

As a coach he was just as successful. After cutting his teeth with the Masterton club he became Wairarapa-Bush coach in 1980 and took them to First Division status within two season. Appointed a New Zealand selector in 1983 he became the national coach 1985-87. His crowning achievement was the taking out of the 1987 inaugural World Cup, with the 1986 "Baby-Blacks'" victory over France another highlight.

Below is a table with some information concerning Lochore

Back to Rugby's Path way of Fame