Higginson to leave for N.I.

Press, 10 February 1982, Page 6

Higginson to leave for N.I.

Canterbury will lose one of its two All' Blacks of last year, the Culverden lock. Graeme Higginson. He was also Canterbury's player of the vear last season.

Higginson, who became an Al! Black on the long Australian tour in 1980 and has appealed in three tests, said last evening that it was almost certain that he would be moving shortly to Hawkes Bay.

He has taken a job as farm manager near Waipukurau. Higginson, whose season was cut short last winter by a broken ankle, which he suffered while training on the eve of the second Springbok test, said he was sorry to be leaving Canterbury, but

he had a policy ot work before rugby and the job opportunity was too good to turn down.

Higginson, who is 27. said he hoped to plav for Hawkes Bav.

Rumours that Canterbury could have the services this year of another All Black, the big find of last season. Gary Whetton. also a lock, appear to be unfounded.

Whetton is said to be moving from Aucklnd to Ohoka. but last evening the Ohoka coach. Ron Graham, sail! that he had seen no sign ol him.

“I have heard (he rumours, too. but that is al). We would certainly like to have him. but 1 think seeing will be believing." he said.