We hope you enjoy this look back as we look forward to many more years of recording the history of Ngati Porou East Coast Rugby Union. We acknowledge all the information from the NZ “Rugby Almanack” Series from the season’s 1934 through to 2019 and appreciate their hard and dedicated work in providing this detailed history. – Web Admin – Information Sourced from the NZ Rugby Almanack 1967

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1966

(Founded, 1921; Affiliated, 1922)
Headquarters: Ruatoria.
COLOURS: SKY BLUE

Selectors: Messrs. Moeraki Reedy. Whare Crawford and Ed. Baker.

Lack of opportunity lo train together and in some cases a shortage of Club matches, were factors militating against an effective representative XV. Teamwork suffered as a result, and the fact that again 27 players were called on was a further handicap. All eight matches, six of them at home, were lost during the season, and East Coast have new lost 26 consecutive games since June, 1963.  The captain, Stewart, who had last appeared with Bay of Plenty in 1963, enjoyed a very good personal season, and tried hard to enthuse his team. The hard core of the side was the “old brigade” Sinel (lock), A.D.Reedy (side-ranker), and Manuel (No.8), all of whom, as well as Stewart and veteran half-back, Taare, played in all eight matches. Walker (prop) and Murphy (the hooker) were experienced players who missed only one match, with a new representative, Colbert, a lock, also making seven appearances.

Grayson, still only 21 years old but who had previously represented in 1964, was the best back, and only lack of opportunity through want of ball limited his effectiveness. The recall of Kururangi, whose last appearance was in 1962, was justified by results, and Haua remained a reliable winger.

A new representative. Crarer, improved during the season. H.H.Henare, who had moved from Poverty Bay, was a disappointment, and was replaced by Takarangi, who improved considerably with experience, Of the others, McClutchie had represented Poverty Bay in 1963, whilst Waenga who made his debut in the final match is only 16 years of age and (also became the 400th player to represent the East Coast) and showed promise.

Another newcomer, prop forward Mataauru Henare, displayed ability and promise too; he is the fourth brother to play for the Union.

Of the previous season’s side, H.P.Milner had joined the Army and played for Wanganui. Stewart, Taare, Grayson, Murphy and Colbert had games with the Combined Poverty Bay – East Coast team.

Players 1966

				Position	PL
0250		Hemara ‘Bo' Kururangi		First Five, Winger	4
0258		Tuta Wanui Taare		Scrumhalf	8
0323		Martin Haua		Winger	5
0326		Alex D. Reedy		Loose Forward	8
0336		John Lima Manuel		Loose Forward, Lock	8
0337		Terence E.R. Murphy		Hooker	7
0361		Thomas Edwin 'Tom' Sinel		Lock	8
0369		John Thomas Grayson		Centre	7
0375		David H. Walker		Hooker, Prop	7
0376		Dr.Tutere ’Doc’ Wi Repa		Flanker	6 (2)
0379		Barry Keith Andzue		Forward	1 (1)
0381		A.J. 'Arthur' Cross		Centre	3
0382		Kenneth Cambrig Gilvray		Utility Back	2
0384		R. Turoa Pohatu		First Five, Winger	1
0388		Puni Nepe		Flanker	5
0389		Haupai H. Henare		Fullback	5 (2)
0390		Taina Mate ‘Charlie’ Keelan		Winger	1
0391		Victor John Takarangi		Fullback, First Five	6
0392		Mataauru Henare		Loose Forward	2
0393		Hamish R. ‘Bill’ Stewart		Prop	8
0394		Douglas J. Crarer		Winger	7 (1)
0395		Parekura ‘Paddy' McClutchie		First Five	3
0396		Barry Stuart Colbert		Hooker, Prop	7
0396		Barrie Stuart Colbert		Hooker, Prop	0
0397		Stewart Rangiuaia		First Five	4 (1)
0398		Amster Reedy		First Five	1
0399		Winston Waititi		Loose Forward, Centre	2
0400		Steven Waenga		First Five, Scrumhalf	1