IAN DRAYTON – KIWI #429

A prolific point-scorer for Hornby and Canterbury who started out in the backline, reached career highwater marks as forward and returned to the backs, Ian Drayton played one Test for New Zealand in 1964.

Dunedin-born Drayton emerged as a goalkicking fullback/winger for the powerful Hornby club in the early-1960s but played for his province at prop in 1963. He was selected in the Kiwis’ 17-man squad for the 1964 home series against France, replacing Ray Sinel in the second-row for the Christchurch-hosted second Test.

New Zealand carved out a series-sealing 18-8 victory at Addington Show Grounds but injury ruled Drayton out of the third clash at Carlaw Park.

Further international call-ups were not forthcoming for ‘Inky’, but he continued to represent Canterbury and turned out in the clash with the 1966 Great Britain tourists – at fullback.

Drayton, part of four first-past-the-post premierships with Hornby, kicked four goals in the inaugural CRL Grand Final in 1967, won 17-10 by Hornby over Addington.

IAN DRAYTON
NEW ZEALAND (1964)
1 Test – 0 points