BRIAN LANGTON – KIWI #433

Hornby three-quarter Brian Langton played four Tests on the wing for New Zealand against Australia and France in 1965.

A 19-year-old debutant for Canterbury in 1963, Westport-born Langton took the rep scene by storm with five tries against West Coast and six against Otago. He also played for South Island against South Africa that season and in a rare win over North Island in 1964.

Chosen as a reserve back during New Zealand’s 1964 home series against France, Langton earned his full Test stripes the following season when he played in both matches of the drawn series against Australia.

Langton was named in the Kiwis’ squad to tour Britain and France at the end of the year, playing 13 matches. He made way for the return of Brian Reidy for the Tests against Great Britain, but the tyro was back on the flank for two matches of the series against France. Langton scored his sole try for New Zealand in a win over Leeds.

Predominantly a centre for club and province, Langton was a try-scorer in the inaugural CRL Grand Final in 1967 as Hornby defeated Addington 17-10. He defied a broken wrist to captain Hornby to a 10-9 victory over Marist-Western Suburbs in the 1969 decider.

Further national honours eluded him, but Langton finished with 39 appearances for Canterbury and played for Hornby until 1977.

BRIAN LANGTON
NEW ZEALAND (1965)
4 Tests – 0 points
11 tour matches – 1 try (3 points)
-1965 Kiwis tour of Britain and France