It was a great privilege to induct another former student into the Hall of Honour. Today we inducted All Black #819 Ken Taylor to join our other ten current inductees. His induction speech follows:

Ken Taylor attended Central Hawke’s Bay College from 1971 to 1974 where he excelled in a number of sports in particular rugby. He was also involved in the Soccer First XI, Athletics, and First XI Cricket while at school. He was a member of the CHB College First XV in 1973/74 and Hawke’s Bay under 18 in 1974/75 and was selected in the North Island Under 18 team in 1975 also.

Upon leaving school he played senior rugby for Waipawa United. He was first selected at provincial level for Hawke’s Bay in 1977 as a 19 year old. He scored a try against the touring British Lions and impressed “Showing enormous pace and courage” to score in their 13 – 11 loss. The following year he was selected for the New Zealand Colts (U21) who made a domestic tour. He made a big impression with is pace and skill and scored three tries in five matches during that tour. As a result he was selected as a member of the Junior All Blacks (U23) in 1979 and 1980, scoring a total of 10 tries in 10 matches.

That sparkling form saw him selected in the All Black team to play Fiji on 13 September 1980. The All Black team included three future All Black captains, Graham Mourie, Frank Oliver and Andy Dalton. The game was not a test match but the players were all accredited All Black caps and Ken became All Black number 819. He scored two tries on the wing in the 33 – 0 victory before being injured with 14 minutes remaining and being replaced. It was his only appearance for his country due to persistent injuries which restricted his opportunities to search for continued higher honours.

He continued to play for Waipawa United and also played a total of 65 Matches for Hawke’s Bay from 1977 – 1985. During his Hawke’s Bay career he scored a total of 100 points (25 tries), before injury ended his career mid-season in 1985.

As the Colleges first All Black, Ken Taylors' efforts continue to inspire all those that follow with their own dreams of one day pulling on the black jersey.