At 77 Ces is still a keen fan of Rugby

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 55, 11 July 1974, Page 10

At 77 Ces is still a keen fan of Rugby

The oldest surviving member of the 1924 "invincible" AII Black squad has been invited to attend a function in Auckland later this year to mark the team's 50th anniversary. He is Mr Ces Badeley, of Motutaiko Street, Taupo, who at 77 is still a keen follower of the game. Ces Badeley says the reunion — to be held in September — is "a fine tribute" to the only team to finish a major international tour without a loss. And he is looking forward, to "chewing over the old times" with his mates, many of whom he has not seen since 1 924. The teams' survivors have dwindled considerably over the past / 50 years. "More than half are

dead," he said. Ces Badeley first took the field for an international game, when he captained the All Blacks on their 1920 Australian tour. The following year he played against the Springbok side which toured New Zealand. In 1924 came the overseas tour which has been written down in New Zealand Rugby annals. A tour never to be forgotten by the "footy playing" public. This was the tour of England, Wales, France and Canada. "We were the only team to do a major international tour and win every game," he boasts. This record earned