HEARTLAND HEROES

East Coast Life member John Manuel

John Manuel is not exactly a household name in New Zealand rugby circles. However you only have to mention the old bloke who rides his painted horse onto the field at Whakarua Park in Ruatoria and the sprightly 73- year old receives instant recognition and acclaim.

The Tikitiki man shares an interesting whakapapa alongside several other local boys boasting elite rugby pedigree who include Rico and Hosea Gear. The trio are blessed with both Maori and Spanish bloodlines.

A former Ngati Porou East Coast lock or loose forward, Manuel played his club rugby for the Rangitukia Rangers ( now known as Waiopu) whose home ground is the George Nepia Memorial Park. The legendary All Black fullback of 1924 Invincibles fame is actually buried several kilometres further along the road.

Manuel is one of those understated blokes with rugby running through the veins whose lifelong commitment has ensured the survival of Waiopu. The very life force of the club itself, this man of immeasurable mana has been rewarded by the East Coast union with life membership.

As for the horse- riding pitch invasions, they don’t just happen when Sky TV is in town. Manuel can be found patrolling the side- lines upon his sky blue, trusty, 28- yearold stead named Tore, whenever the East Coast team are heartily and vigorously defending their home patch.

Incredibly Tore recently bore a foal which made its debut against Poverty Bay at Ruatoria recently, bearing JAB in blue paint across its torso.