On Friday 5th August, Waikato Rugby finally hosted their Reunion after a years worth of delays due to Covid restrictions.

The evening saw many former Waikato players, coaches, managers and volunteers catch up and share stories of days gone by when they were involved the iconic colours of Red, Yellow and Black.

During the evening there was a special presentation for one member in particular. Arthur Stone, the infamous nineteen year old who intercepted an Auckland pass and scored the only Waikato try in a  successful 7-3 Ranfurly Shield challenge victory back in 1980, ended Auckland’s reign with the famous Log o’ Wood.

Stone, 61, is Waikato cap #758 and would make a total of 79 appearances for province scoring a total of 136 points by the way of 34 tries between 1980-85. He would then go on to become All Blacks cap #832 playing a total of 23 matches for the country including nine Internationals, scoring five tries and one drop goal.

Stone becomes the 21st and newest member of the Waikato Rugby Hall of Fame. He joins other Waikato Hall of Fame members that include John Lesson, Has Catley, Clarke brothers Ian and Don and also team mate Pat “Foxy” Bennett.

Article added: Thursday 11 August 2022