Page 19 - pākuViews Autumn/Winter 2013
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Coromandel Real Estate
Photographers
Ltd
Alan Duff
p
021 116 2266 - 07 866 3590
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• Elevated photos
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• Int/ext photos
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• Cost effective
THAMES VALLEY
- Show Room 90B Kopu Rd, Kopu
Consultations by Appointment
ph 07 868 6377
From nails to cleats:
the history of the rugby boot
Lower cut boot
with metal cleats.
Rugby boots
with leather cleats.
The Adidas AdiZeor RS7
with one-piece molded sole.
1900
1960
TODAY
One seldom thinks about the history of a shoe,
but in researching the sport, we wondered if
the story behind the rugby boot might be just
as fascinating as that of the rugby ball we
shared in the 2012 Spring issue.
The First Recorded Boot
Dr Maria Hayward of Southampton University
found what could be the first historical reference
to a boot for ball play. It was worn by none other
than King Henry VIII in 1526. Sean Coughlan, a
BBC News staffer, stated, “Boozing, womanising,
flash with his money – it is no surprise that King
Henry VIII was a footballer”.
Mention of the boots was found in an inventory
list of Henry VIII’s clothes when he died. Their
cost, four shillings. was close to what his head of
wardrobe might have earned in a week. The boots
themselves were never found.
The First Law Relating to Rugby Boots
“No player may wear projecting nails or iron
plates on the heels or soles of his shoes or boots”
was written in 1845. This law was important as
‘hacking’ (kicking the shins or lower legs) was all
part of the early game. However, it did not stop the
enterprising boys of Rugby School from sending
their boots to the cobblers to have the front ends
“sharpened”. It was not until 1871 that hacking
was banned.
Manufacturers Come on the Scene
Generally early players wore their everyday work
boots or casual shoes, often with bars nailed
across the soles for better traction in the mud.
Victorian entrepreneurs saw an opening and by
the end of the 19th century many manufacturers
and outfitters had emerged. The boots showed
little difference to the walking and working boots
previously worn. One major improvement being
leather studs replaced the nail bars, giving even
greater traction on a muddy paddock.
Modern Boots
Not much change came until the 1950s, when
German company Adidas manufactured boots
with screw-in aluminum cleats. Adidas remains
in the forefront with its superior range of boots,
innovative technology and groundbreaking per-
formance. Like all modern sports shoes, a lot of
science goes into today’s range of rubgy boots.
Recent innovations favour a light and supple
boot, low cut with lightweight and breathable
synthetic fabrics.
Whatever the brand, whatever the style, current
players agree – the boots do matter.
Historic boot images courtesy of
A big thanks to all who helped us put together
the puzzle pieces and report the colourful
history of Tairua Rugby over the past year –
telling their stories, sharing photos, and digging
up newspaper clippings and memoribilia. In
particular Bill Darrah and daughter Jan Collier,
Lance Easton, Claire Fitzjames, Neil & Annette
Taylor, Phil Mason, Sam Taylor, Clem McCall and
the Tairua Rugby Club.
Look for more in the upcoming 2013 Spring issue
which will highlight more history about one of
the oldest teams in New Zealand, as well as the
125th jubilee celebration happening in October
of this year. Look for the event schedule and
updates at tairuarugby.co.nz.
A team member’s viewpoint:
TAIRUA RUGBY’S 2013 SEASON
by Lance Easton
The 2012 Team gathers in high spirits after the final game of the season in Thames.
The 2013 team is at press time undefeated.
in stuff that you can’t coach. An attitude shift that
has been described in our new rugby song that
we now sing in the newly painted shed with the
majestic stag head – “Footy with my brothas”.
If you were at the game with Waihi, you would
have experinced being a part of this new era
within the Tairua community. We’ve won 5 from 5
in the first round so far this year. It’s good. And I’m
excited. Go the mighty Blue ‘n whites!
See Lance perform the inspired team song on
YouTube or link through the Tairua Rugby and
Sports Club Facebook page, full of good natured
fun (check out their Halloween party photos!),
announcements, and game info.
Things seem to be coming together this year for
the Tairua rugby team. After a struggling 2012
season with a lack of numbers, half-hearted
committment, and a general feel of dampness
amongst the team – 2013 has come with a
revamped energy which everyone is thriving on.
It’s the 125th jubilee for our rugby club! This
means, with regards to history, it’s a significance
point in time. Why not make it a cracka? I think we
are in the process of something special, and so far
this year, rugby in Tairua feels awesome!
I counted 26 players at training last Thursday
(last year we would often have 8 or 10, if we were
lucky!) This year we have key experience back
with the likes of Onion, Deano, Cameo and Kev,
and the dynamic Sméagol back from Oz .
We have also been blessed with the “Coro” boys
this year – a result of Coromandel Town pulling
out of the top comp. Their key players, currently
clubless, have come searching for some good
rugby in the 1st division and they chose us! When
these boys got here, the vibe really lifted and the
Tairua boys who were “sittin-on-the-fence” were,
all of a sudden, IN.
And from our perspective, we owe the “Coro”
boys a hearty experience; as a Tairuan, I think we
consider ourselves one of the most loving and
welcoming communities in New Zealand. I’ve
noticed amoungst our boys, a behavioural change
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