Fans in Spain
The biggest boost Spanish rugby could get would be a visit by the All Blacks. This is according to Roger Mahan, a former Christchurch senior flanker who is playing for the top club in Madrid, Architectatura. Rugby “afficianados’’ in Spain followed the fortunes and careers of the All Blacks with tremendous interest and in great detail, Mahan said. “New Zealanders are revered in Spain and if you come from New Zealand they regard you as being at least an All Black triallist."
Mahan has been a travelled man since he went to Madrid. His club had a short
tour of Britain, winning three games in a week, and then a composite side toured South America, playing Paraguary, Uruguay, and Argentina where the impact made by the All Blacks a year ago was immense. “The Argentinians think the All Blacks are gods,” he said. Mahan, who is teaching English to the staff of big companies, said that although rugby was a totally amateur game in Spain there were good opportunities for New Zealanders interested in coaching. “You would do the coach, ing for nothing, but they would find you a job and at most attractive rates by New Zealand standards.”
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Press, 12 November 1977, Page 56
Word Count
202Fans in Spain Press, 12 November 1977, Page 56
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