Mr McPhail To Quit Rugby

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30977, 5 February 1966, Page 13

Mr McPhail To Quit Rugby

After five years as convenor of the New Zealand Rugby selection panel, Mr N. J. McPhail, of Christchurch, has been forced by the pressure of business commitments to relinquish his post.

He will retire from all active participation in the administration of the sport. “1 had hoped for one more year with the Lions touring this season, but at Christmas the work began piling up and I had to retire,” he said yesterday. “I can't fit it in any longer." Only last Tuesday Mr McPhail was nominated by the Canterbury Rugby Union as All Black selector. It is likely that the union will meet to make another nomination. Won Him Respect Announcing Mr McPhail’s retirement, the chairman of the New Zealand Rugby Union (Mr T. C. Morrison> said: “His conscientious application to duties has won him respect from both administrators and players alike.” Mr McPhail has been con-

venor of the selection panel for the last five years. He will be repl ed at the New Zealand selection council meeting on February 25. Play id For Canterbury Mr McPhail has had a long and distinguished career as a player and administrator hi the game. He played for Canterbury before serving with the 2nd N.Z.E.F. in the Middle East during the war. During that time he won selection in Charlie Saxton’s famous Kiwi side.

On returning to New Zealand he became a Canterbury and South Island selector before finally winning a place on the New Zealand selection panel. Mr McPhail was also assistant manager of W. J. Whineray’s All Black side which toured the British Isles and France in 1963-64.