Coastal clothing destined for Lord

Will Johnston 

Photo: LDV Photography

Coastal’s rugby club will frantically find a lucky pair of underwear before their new All Blacks recruit Josh Lord heads overseas.  

The 20-year-old lock was called into the end-of-year tour squad on Monday for matches in the USA and Europe. Ironically, he replaces club and Taranaki teammate Scott Barrett.  

Originally from Owhango, south of Taumarunui, the rangy 2.02m player was plucked out of club rugby in 2019 and joined Taranaki’s national provincial championship squad. Ever since he has grown into a promising player and has dominated lineouts during this year’s competition.  

Coastal chairperson Janet Fleming said she will do her best to get a pair of Coastal speedos to Lord.   

Jordie Barrett wore a pair in the All Blacks win against the Springboks in the 100th encounter on September 25 when he kicked a crucial penalty with three minutes to play. 

The distinctive green, white and black pair were seen on television during the match and widely promoted on social media.   

“They’ve worked well for Jordie,” Fleming said. 

She said when Lord was selected it was a proud day for the club and could join Beauden, Scott and Jordie Barrett as the club’s fourth All Black, if he plays a test.   

“Knowing he will be well supported by his three Coastal teammates, we are sure Josh will wear the black jersey with pride.” 

The club knew an All Black call-up for Lord was a matter of when, not if, Fleming said referring to his strong background, that includes being in the New Zealand U20s and the Chiefs. 

While Coastal becomes the first Taranaki club to feature four All Blacks in one season, it becomes the seventh overall.  

The most recent was Ponsonby with Patrick Tuipulotu, Reiko and Akira Ioane and Caleb Clarke selected in 2020. 

Prior to that, Christchurch High School Old Boys (HSOB) had Daryl Gibson, Justin Marshall, Andrew Mehrtens and Reuben Thorne picked in 2002 and five the year before. 

Auckland clubs dominate the record across the 1900s, 1980s and 1990s.  

Poneke, Auckland Marist and Christchurch HSOB currently hold the record for the most All Blacks selected in one season from one club, with five named.  

Poneke was the first with Tom Ellison, Tabby Wynyard, Davey Gage, Bob Oliphant and Angus Stuart named in a New Zealand Rugby touring team in 1893.