A return to his rugby-playing prowess is more about survival than glory for Sir Graham Henry. By SAM SHERWOOD
The former All Blacks coach played about 30 minutes at Golden Oldies tournament at Christchurch's Hagley Park on Wednesday. He made a cameo for Samurai Tokyo against the Sydney Downunders, featuring former Wallabies first-five and now assistant coach Stephen Larkham.
Henry, who was tackled by Larkham late in the game, made several tackles along with some deft passing in the backline. He said at age 71, the key was making sure to not injure yourself.
Sir Graham Henry looks to try get past former Wallabies star Stephen Larkham during the Golden Oldies tournament in ...
Sir Graham Henry looks to try get past former Wallabies star Stephen Larkham during the Golden Oldies tournament in Christchurch.
"Your mind is very clear of what you can and what you can't do. You don't want to overdo it.
"When you played 100 years ago you didn't think much about it but when you're playing in your 70s survival is very much the point of the battle – and enjoying the company of the people you're with."
Henry, an ambassador for the event, was the star attraction. Teammates and the opposition were lining up to get photos before the whistle.
"It's good it's all part of the deal. They see me on television when I was coaching the All Blacks and say 'oh that's that old grumpy bastard', so they want to get a photo with me."
Henry played First XV rugby for Christchurch Boys' High School, before becoming a coach through his job as a physical education teacher.
"Coaching sport was part of the business and I loved it. I got involved with some good teams and was coaching good teams and got a passion for it, an obsession for it."
Formed in 1979, Golden Oldies sports tournaments are held biennially all over the world, but this is the first year multiple sports have been be held in the same city. The tournaments are open to men and women aged 35 and above.
