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Manawatu Legends of Sport 2009 - Jack Finlay
Sport: Rugby
Born: 31 January 1916
Birthplace: Normanby, New Zealand
Jack Finlay was once described as one of Manawatu Rugby Union's best backs, "possessing sharp speed, penetrative ability, sound defence and a good understanding of bright attacking rugby."
He was born in Normanby in the Taranaki on January 31 1916. He attended Feilding Agricultural High School captaining the 1st XV in 1932. In 1933 he played for Feilding Old Boys Rugby Club and made his debut for Manawatu at the age of 18. That year in his first season he scored a record 46 points for the union which he later extended to 56 points in 1936. He was a utility player playing firstly in the five-eighths position before moving into the forwards at No. 8 and prop gaining an All Black trial for the front row. He was to play a couple of seasons back at five-eighths before permanently becoming a loose forward. Jack had six seasons representing the Manawatu and only missed two of the 61 games scoring a total of 246 points and 17 tries.
With the start of the war, he enlisted and was sent to North Africa. He reached the rank of Major and was decorated with the Military Cross. After the war, he played in the 2nd NZEF Rugby Team which made a 33 match tour of Britain, France and Germany before returning to New Zealand for a five match tour. Better known as the "Kiwi's" and later the "khaki All Blacks", the team played open rugby to revive the game in Britain. He played in 20 of the games as captain or vice captain.
Returning to New Zealand in 1946, he was rewarded with selection to the All Blacks playing a test in Dunedin against Australia winning 31 - 8 and scoring a try. Unfortunately he sustained an off field injury and did not appear in the second test or play for the All Blacks again.
He later became a coach in Feilding for many years and was a selector for the Manawatu, North Island and from 1961-1963 also selected for the All Blacks.
On the field he was renowned for his inspirational leadership, his covering play, his energy, speed and anticipation. He was a first class rucker, tough as old boots and played accordingly.
Jack passed away on the 30 June 2001 in Feilding. He was honoured posthumously with 32 other test All Blacks at a test capping ceremony in June 2009 prior to the All Black - France Test match.