Skilful competitor noted for tenacity

GOLDEN ERA: North Auckland hooker Ian Irvine, who was part of the 1950 Ranfurly Shield-winning North Auckland team, has passed away aged 84. In the picture, Irvine is in the front row second from the right. INSET: Ian IrvinePHOTO/SUPPLIED

Northland rugby has lost one of its players from the legendary 1950 North Auckland Ranfurly Shield-winning team.

Former North Auckland and All Black hooker Ian Irvine passed away on Tuesday night aged 84, having made 31 appearances for North Auckland between 1949 and 1953 and having played one test for the All Blacks in 1952 against Australia.

Of the former Old Boys Rugby Club player's appearances for North Auckland, five were played in Ranfurly Shield matches.

Irvine was noted for his ability to keep clean ball available for North Auckland's classy backline at the time in what is described as a "golden era" in Northland rugby.

He was also known for the manner in which he galloped up the field in pursuit of lofty punts with his eyes glued on the ball catcher and not on the ball itself.

Irvine had an uncanny knack of arriving at the ball-taker at the same time as the ball and displayed skill that was admired by all.

Upon his retirement, Irvine remained in touch with the game through coaching Northland club sides and was involved with the creation of the Northland Vikings in 1957.

Irvine was part of a small group of father and son duos who had both pulled on the All Blacks jersey.

His father, Bill Irvine - also a hooker - was an All Black from 1926 to 1930 and played 27 matches on the Invincibles' 30-match tour.