Rugby icon Fred 'The Needle' Allen turns 90

Former All Black coach Fred Allen was described as "the patriarch of New Zealand rugby" as he celebrated his 90th birthday today.

The accolade came from Sir Brian Lochore, his skipper during his time as test coach from 1966 to 1968.

Allen was honoured with a civic reception hosted by Auckland Mayor John Banks and attended by more than 90 guests, among them many former All Blacks.

Lochore told guests that he was one of the luckiest players in New Zealand rugby history, "because I was the All Black captain right through Fred's reign".

"Our friendship has endured a long time and I really enjoyed my role as captain with you and the players," he said.

Nickname "the Needle", Allen was unbeaten in his 14 tests in charge.

Earlier, he was selector-coach of Auckland from 1957 to 1963 and during the second half of that period the province set a new Ranfurly Shield record by holding the Log o' Wood for 25 matches.

A member of that side was another All Black skipper, Sir Wilson Whineray, who had retired by the time Allen got the test job.

Whineray described Allen as "a precious jewel in the crown of New Zealand rugby".

He said Allen had a simple philosophy towards the game, which was based on precision and respect.

"Kick when you are meant to kick, pass when you have to pass, play at pace and have respect for the game and the opposition."

Lochore, Whineray and former All Black fullback Bob Scott provided plenty of humorous anecdotes of their rugby times with Allen.

Allen, who as Auckland Rugby Union patron still regularly attends matches at Eden Park, said he was honoured and humbled by the civic reception,

He said that, in his day, players played not for recognition, but for the love of the game.

Despite his long association with Auckland, Allen was born in Oamaru and first played provincial rugby for Canterbury, whom he captained.

He also appeared for Marlborough and Waikato, and was a member of the celebrated 2nd NZEF Army team, dubbed the Kiwis, who toured Europe after World War 2.

An inside back, Allen played 21 matches, including six tests, for the All Blacks, whom he also skippered.

In 2006, he was make a life member of the New Zealand Rugby Union.

- © Fairfax NZ News