Wowww!!! I was so thrilled to see this press release from the Thames Coromandel District Council this morning - giving details of the naming of the new recreation centre adjacent to the Thames High School Gymnasium.The centre is to be called the JACK MCLEAN COMMUNITY RECREATION CENTRE in honour of the late Jack McLean. Jack was a true Thamesite who went on to be an All Black and a rugby league star in England in the 1950s.
John Kenneth (Jack) McLean was All Black No 473, a wing three-quarter, he played five matches for the All Blacks (two Tests); a member of the Thames United Club, Jack played for the Auckland Rugby Union of which Thames was a sub-union.
Many will have been taught at Thames High School by Mr McLean, and fittingly his 1970s classroom in A Block would have been close to where the new recreation centre is today. Jack took a keen interest in many sports, for instance he was a member of the Thames Athletics Club in 1973, when Mr M McPherson was presented with a life membership. (photo right) He also coached rugby while at Thames High School.
Further Information: Wikipedia
ABOVE: J K McLean, captain of the Thames Representative Rugby Team (middle row, centre)
The glory days of Thames Rugby, Thames was Peace Cup holders at the time!
