Ian Bishop (rugby union)

Ian Robert Bishop (born 1943) is a former New Zealand rugby union player.

Ian Bishop
Birth nameIan Robert Bishop
Height180 cm (5 ft 11 in)
Weight79.5 kg (175 lb; 12 st 7 lb)
SchoolNapier Boys' High School
Occupation(s)Engineering assistant
Rugby union career
Position(s) Fullback
Provincial / State sides
Years Team Apps (Points)
1963–1972 Hawke's Bay 95 (631)

Biography

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Bishop grew up in Napier and attended Napier Boys' High School. He was a player in the school's first XV rugby team, including its record best 1961 season.[1]

In 1963, Bishop debuted for Hawke's Bay at first-class level. He was part of the team that won the Ranfurly Shield from Waikato in 1966. In the low-scoring match he kicked a penalty goal in the second second half, after Waikato were lured offside in an infamous ruse arranged by halfback Hepa Paewai.[2] By the time Hawke's Bay lost the shield in 1969 to Canterbury, Bishop had become the all-time leading points scorer in Ranfurly Shield matches.[2] He was also the highest point scorer for Hawke's Bay, with 631 points, which was not surpassed until 1995 by Jarrod Cunningham.[3]

In later life, Bishop shifted from Hawke's Bay to Hāwera.[2] He became a successful race horse owner. Several horses he was a shareholder in won multiple races including Heineken Bay, Libra Bay, Beatle Bay and Sarah Little.[3]

References

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  1. ^ Hurndell, Shane (26 July 2019). "Fitness pivotal in Napier Boys' 'Dream Team of 1961's" success". Hawkes Bay Today. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  2. ^ a b c Laing, Doug (21 September 2016). "Shield heroes back together after 50 years". Hawkes Bay Today. Retrieved 1 September 2024.
  3. ^ a b Jenkins, John (22 December 2004). "Ian Bishop now kicking big goals on the racetrack". Hawkes Bay Today. Retrieved 1 September 2024.