When it comes to rugby icons Wayne "Buck" Shelford would have to be near the top of any list.
And, that being the case, tickets will be in short supply for a function to be held at the WBFRU rooms at Memorial Park on Tuesday, October 9, at which Shelfordwill be the centre of attention.
Organised by the Wairarapa Sports Education Trust in association with Hedley's Booksellers and the Wairarapa District Health Board, the gathering has been organised for the legendary No 8 to promote his latest book, Buck Up, the Real Bloke's Guide to Getting Healthy and Living Longer! Travelling with Shelford will be arguably New Zealand's most respected sports broadcaster, Keith Quinn, who will conduct an interview with him.
The popularity of Shelford during a playing career in which he led both the Maori All Blacks and the All Blacks with huge distinction was never better illustrated than by the "Bring Back Buck" campaign that reverberated around the country when the then-All Blacks head coach Alex Wyllie dropped him from the national side.
Shelford has, of course, also had his battles outside rugby, hence the name of the book, which records the personal trials and tribulations after he was diagnosed with cancer, and his strong belief that a healthy lifestyle can help people overcome such setbacks.
Tickets for the October 9 function, costing $20 and which also cover light refreshments, can be bought from any Wairarapa Sports Education Trust member, or from Hedley's Booksellers at 150 Queen St (phone 06 378-2875).
Online tickets can be bought at www.hedleysbooks.co.nz
