"At the start of the game I told myself I would not have minded if this was thirds. But this is development grade. However, I felt quite comfortable on the field and I even had a go at smashing a young fella when he ran towards me," Hutana explained.
"At the same time I don't want to be doing this on a regular basis. I might get hurt and miss out on my gym time which I enjoy."
"I thought Hawke's Bay Today might want another Bernie Hokianga-type story," Hutana quipped.
He was referring to Hokianga, a former Magpies halfback who played 80 minutes for the MAC premiers in 2005 at the age of 55 in a 165-0 loss to Hastings Rugby and Sports. On that occasion MAC were missing nine players who travelled to Hamilton to watch the New Zealand Maori team beat the British and Irish Lions 19-13 and it was 31 years after Hokianga had played six games for the Magpies.
Hawke's Bay Rugby Union's club competition manager Gary Macdonald said his union has no strict age rules.
"It's up to the individual and how they feel. Some older players are very fit but 69 is stretching things a bit," Macdonald said.
He understood seasonal work is still taking its toll on some teams at this stage of the season.
"If older club members are required to help out as long as it's not for the full 80 minutes it's OK," Macdonald added.
