Graeme Bachop

A former Linwood player Graeme Bachop had four years with Christchurch High School Old Boys (1994-97). He was an All Black for nine years, having been first selected for the 1987 trip to Japan in place of David Kirk who had taken up a Rhodes Scholarship at Oxford. Bachop was one of very few players to be selected for New Zealand before ever having represented his province. In 1989 he was promoted to test halfback under coach Alex Wyllie, winning the test place ahead of Bruce Deans (the great-nephew of Bob Deans), and remained top choice in that position until Wyllie was no longer All Black coach. Brought back again in 1994, Graeme Bachop was widely considered to be the best halfback at the 1995 World Cup.

In 1994, Bachop moved to Old Boys after ten years at Linwood, feeling it was time for a change, “time to play rugby for the enjoyment factor both on and off the field.” The opportunity to develop a combination with first five-eighths Andrew Mehrtens was an added attraction. Both Graeme and his wife Ange Bachop were made very welcome and enjoyed weekly visits to the clubrooms together. Bachop believed the move gave him a new lease on life, which was a big part of the reason he was recalled to the All Blacks that year. In 1994 he enjoyed the chance to play for New Zealand alongside his brother Stephen.

Soon after the All Blacks’ return from South Africa after the 1995 Rugby World Cup, Bachop took up a contract in Japan. New All Black coach, John Hart, thought so highly of Bachop’s skills that he attempted to have the NZRFU change its eligibility rules so he could continue in the national side despite playing overseas. The Union proved unwilling and Bachop settled in Japan with the Sannix Club, leaving a gap at halfback for the All Blacks, which Old Boys were subsequently happy to fill with Justin Marshall..

Graeme has maintained his interest in the club and when in town can be found on the sideline keeping an eye on the Senior team. From time to time his wonderful passing and running skills are still seen in the North Hagley Touch module and, in 2000, at halfback for the Pacific Barbarians against the All Blacks in a charity match in Japan.