'J.J.’ renews challenge

Press, 29 March 1984, Page 44

'J.J.’ renews challenge

PA Wellington A former All Black coach, J. J. Stewart, will make another attempt this year to achieve a longstanding ambition, a seat among rugby’s rulers. Mr Stewart, who coached the All Blacks from 1974 to 1976 and is regarded as having one of the most astute brains in the game, has several times stood for the prime decision-making body, the

council. His name was among seven nominations yesterday for the four North Island seats on the council. Voting takes place at next month’s annual N’.Z.R.F.U. meeting in Wellington. Mr Stewart will oppose the four incumbents, Messrs Ron Don, Dick Littlejohn, Paul Mitchell, and Peter Wild, and two other contenders, Mr Stan Chester, and a former All Black

prop, Mr Ritchie Guy

There will also be an election for the three South Island seats on the council and for the seven-man executive, for which there are eight nominees.

Nominations: President: Mr Murray Strange. Vice-presidents (two to be elected): Messrs Bevan Bain, Pat Beaumont, Mick Pittaway, Sonny Sciascia, and Owen Taylor.

Council: North Island (four to be elected): Messrs Chester, Don, Guy, Littlejohn, Mitchell. Stewart, and Wild. South Island (three to be elected): Messrs Charlie Cowman, John Dowling, Ray Harper, and Russ Thomas. Maori member (one to be elected): Mr Keith Pearson. Executive (seven to be elected): Messrs Ces Blazey, Tom Cunningham, Jack Forsyth, Bill Freeman, Pat Gill, Tom Johnson, Bob Stuart, and Ivan Vodanovich.