Buck Shelford

Description

When Buck Shelford was dropped as All Black captain there was a public outcry - bring back Buck - with bumper stickers and posters and graffiti to that effect springing up overnight. The popular, highly respected hard man, famous for playing on through a severe groin injury, impervious to pain because he was the captain and he wouldn't leave his men, Buck Shelford is now regarded as the ultimate All Black. In the light of the disastrous 2007 All Black World Cup campaign, the news that Buck Shelford was battling cancer sent a shudder through the rugby fans who remember him and his courage and skill and strength of leadership. Those qualities will be celebrated in this tribute to one of the greatest, and most loved All Blacks.

Author description

John has previously penned Rushie, Stacy Jones, Life on the Run, the best selling biography on All Blacks great, Christian Cullen and many more. Throughout his 20 years in journalism he has worked in Auckland, Christchurch, London and San Diego. In New Zealand he has worked for the Auckland Star and Sunday Star, contributed to the New Zealand Herald and the Dominion, and is still the longest serving editor of NZ Rugby World. He is currently an Assistant Editor and Sports Editor at Sunday News.