NZDF Brings Back Buck - as Rugby Patron

It’s been nearly 20 years since Buck Shelford terrorised opposition as All Black No.8 and captain, but even today you’ll still see signs in the crowd saying, “Bring Back Buck”.

So it was with great delight that the Chief of Defence Force, Lieutenant General Jerry Mateparae was able to officially appoint him as the Patron of NZDF Rugby at a function held at Defence House Buck served in the Royal New Zealand Navy in the late seventies through to mid-eighties.

“Buck is a great role model as a New Zealander, as an All Black, and as a member of the Defence Force family,” said LT GEN Mateparae. “Buck consistently reflects the New Zealand Defence Force values of Courage, Comradeship, Commitment and Integrity”

In receiving his NZDF Blazer from the Chief of Defence Force and Chief of Navy RADM Tony Parr, Buck said he was very proud to be the NZDF Patron in addition to being patron for Navy rugby.

“Along with my involvement with Navy rugby I look forward to being a part of NZDF rugby and assisting where I can with the development and mentoring of both players and management,” he said.

During a lighter moment after receiving his NZDF Blazer, Buck told those gathered that things had certainly moved on since he departed the Service: “I left the Navy as a Leading Hand and here I am having my blazer helped on by a General and an Admiral!”

Buck Shelford amassed 48 games as an All Black, including 22 tests. He was All Black captain 31 times, including 14 tests – all of which were undefeated. He also scored 22 tries for the Men in Black.

During his time in the Navy Buck played in many Ship 1st XVs, inter-service rugby tournaments and Combined Service Rugby teams.

Buck will travel to the United Kingdom with the Navy Rugby Team in October for the Commonwealth Cup competed for by the Royal New Zealand Navy, Royal Australian Navy, Royal Navy, and South African Navy.