Ian Kirkpatrick

FORMER ALL BLACK

At 18 I left school, having spent five years at boarding school in Auckland.

Home was a farming life 20km out of Gisborne.

Although I had a rounded education, I was aiming at a farming career.

I also had three months in Burnham Military camp as part of compulsory National Service.

In 1967, the Vietnam War was at it’s height.

If New Zealand had become more involved in the war, National Service soldiers would have been called up to fight. Luckily for myself, this was limited to regular force soldiers.

Throw in the winter playing rugby. I was fortunate to be picked in the Canterbury Rugby Team, and then in September I was picked in the All Black team to tour the UK. This changed my life for the next few years.

As rugby was an amateur game in those days, my focus was still very much on farming as a career.

My rugby career was to last 10 years, during which time I was back and forth to the family farm when time allowed.

Even if it had been professional, I would have pursued an alternative career option.

There are no guarantees with a rugby career, which can be cut short at any time.

If I had pursued a university degree, my advice would be to find something that you are passionate about. There is a lot of living and learning to be done. With a well-rounded education, and an open mind, there are many options out there.

Follow your passion and you will be successful.