Walter Little was involved in many memorable Bledisloe Cup tests. Photo / Photosport
Walter Little was involved in many memorable Bledisloe Cup tests. Photo / Photosport
The former All Black midfielder and North Harbour stalwart is enjoying life in the construction industry
As a bruising midfielder, Walter Little knew how to make a ball-and-all tackle, and that propensity to wrap things up has extended to his post-rugby life as a scaffolder.
The former All Black operates a scaffolding business, doing light commercial and residential work.
He got into the industry in 2003after finishing a jaunt in Japan in the autumn of his career. He runs a crew of seven workers and they do jobs all over the Auckland region.
"There's plenty of work," says Little. "The way the building industry is going at the moment, everybody seems to be busy. It's good for us. It's very hard to get hold of scaffolding when you need it."
Former All Black Walter Little. Photo / Getty Images
The 45-year-old says he enjoys the physical work.
"You're working with heavy material all the time, [so] it keeps you fit. We've got so many trades working on our scaffolds. We've got to be up to scratch all the time. It keeps you moving."
When he can get time away from the business, Little enjoys the odd junket abroad when the All Blacks are touring. He says the trips are a good way of staying in touch with his old rugby mates.
"There are always functions happening when they're away overseas. Some big corporate group has a function and they want a few former All Blacks there, so you get a phone call every now and then.
"I went to South Africa last year for a test match, and there were a few of us who caught up - Buncey, Christian Cullen and Eric Rush."
Little played 50 tests and 25 games for the All Blacks in a career that spanned most of the 1990s. While playing in the 1991 and 1995 World Cups stick out as highlights, his most memorable moment was his debut tour of Canada, Wales and Ireland in 1989.
Little, who hails from Tokoroa, was selected for the tour at 19. He was accompanied by other notable young newbies, including Craig Innes and John Timu.
"It was a great experience. You learned a hell of a lot about touring and a lot about yourself being away that long. We were lucky to have guys like John Kirwan, Buck Shelford and Joe Stanley there - those guys really made you feel welcome."
In the latter stages of his career, Little formed a formidable midfield partnership with North Harbour team-mate Frank Bunce. The pair were involved in some memorable tests, and their clashes with the Australian pairing of Tim Horan and Jason Little were a feature of many Bledisloe Cup tests.
"We played so long together, we were able to build up that relationship on the field," he says. "We were good mates, too, so that made it easier."
Little was the first All Black out of the Glenfield club on the North Shore, and has remained loyal to them ever since.
He has coached the premier side six of the past seven years and is in charge again this season. He would love to dedicate more time to coaching but says it's difficult to balance with his work commitments.
"Running your own business is so time-consuming. To go further in coaching, [it] has to be your No 1 priority. That is the hardest thing for me."
