Fred the Needle

Few New Zealand rugby personalities can truly be labelled legends. Sir Fred Allen, though, is one of those rare exceptions. Along with the great Colin Meads, Allen is an icon of the game, universally loved and a true New Zealand hero. For years, the man who famously captained and then coached the All Blacks unbeaten through 37 matches in a golden era from 1966-68, has resisted the urgings of writers and publishers to tell his story. That is until now. At 90 years of age (he is New Zealand s second oldest living All Black) and recently knighted, the fit, razor sharp Allen has relented and will tell his incredible life story - impoverished childhood, War Hero, Rugby Legend, successful businessman and knight of the realm.