PAUL SAPSFORD
1949-2009
Herbert Paul Sapsford played for both the Otago University and Taieri Rugby Club’s in the mid 1970’s and early 1980’s
Originally from Southland, Paul Sapsford was a cheerful, robust prop who was excellent value for both Otago and New Zealand Universities especially in the mid 1970s.
Comparatively mature when he entered first class rugby in 1973, Sapsford played 55 matches for Otago in the next four seasons
He also had an extensive involvement, frequently as captain, with Universities sides and in 1973 and then in 1976 made tours with NZU to Australia and to Ireland, United States and Japan
His consistency was rewarded with three All Black trials and two appearances for the South Island in 1974 and 1976
He missed making the tour of South Africa in 1976 but instead was Chosen for the second All Black tour of that year, to Argentina and Uruguay. Sapsford was a regular first choice selection in Argentina playing in seven matches and the two unofficial internationals against the Pumas
That was the end of Sapsford's role with the All Blacks. This well travelled footballer took himself off to England in 1977, where he played at club level for London New Zealand and Harlequins and in county matches for Middlesex
He returned to New Zealand periodically and in each of the 1979 and 1982 seasons made 15 appearances for Otago to bring his aggregate for the union to 85.
Sapsford died from injuries sustained in a jetboat accident at Lake Ohau in 2009.
Profile by Lindsay Knight, New Zealand Rugby Museum.
Admin Login