MacEwan Puts Club First

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31057, 12 May 1966, Page 21

MacEwan Puts Club First

"The Press” Special Service WELLINGTON. Allegiance to his club, to the players he coaches and captains in the Wellington senior competition, has led the former All Black, I. N. Mac Ewan, to reject nomination for this year’s North Island trials.

Mac Ewan, as selec-tor-coach and captain, led Athletic to its Jubilee Cup triumph last winter and in the same capacity has taken the team through an unbeaten sequence so far this season. Under Mac Ewan the team has generated a new spirit in the club and the big lock will not allow an opportunity to return to top Rugby to interfere with his relationship with the team. He said that, in terms of Rugby, he would place his club above all else now. "I am prepared to forego all other things." he said. Pattern Broken "If I were to make myself available for other matches the continuing pattern of my training and coaching for the club could be broken.

“I am not prepared to let that happen—or even risk it by offering myself, for further selection, though the chances might be slim. “I am getting immeasurable satisfaction and enjoyment

from Rugby with my club, which to me has become the most important thing.” When announcing his nominees for trial matches, the

Wellington selector, Mr A. P. Freeman, said Mac Ewan was among his original nominations. “Though I would have liked his name to go forward I can only say that his devotion to his club has my utmost admiration,” Mr Freeman said.