John ‘Clinton’ Stringfellow  [All Black #368]

A versatile, strongly built back, Clinton Stringfellow achieved a remarkable distinction in the 1920s and 30s by playing a staggering 107 matches for the one union, Wairarapa. In those seasons, when programmes were much lighter than today, it was exceptional to play a century of first class games, let alone do it for just one union.

Usually a centre though capable of playing most positions in the backline, Stringfellow played for Wairarapa between 1925 and 1935.

This was a notable era in Wairarapa rugby for the Ranfurly Shield was won by this small union in consecutive seasons in 1927 and 1928.

In 1927 Wairarapa ended Hawke’s Bay record era with a 15-11 win, the sequel of which was the celebrated return match, the legendary Battle of Solway. Then in 1928 Wairarapa upset Canterbury 8-7 at Lancaster Park.

Stringfellow was involved in all of these games and in defences in 1929 and in other challenges in the 30s. In all, Stringfellow played 14 shield games in which he scored nine tries.

As an All Black Stringfellow did not earn quite the same plaudits. His only season in the All Blacks was on the 1929 tour of Australia, in which he appeared in seven matches. In the first test he replaced the injured George Nepia at fullback at halftime and then played in the third test at centre, scoring a try after making a halfway interception in the 15-13 defeat.

All three tests were lost by the All Blacks on that tour, which may be reason why Stringfellow and several other players were never selected for the national side again.

In Stringfellow’s case that would have been a harsh judgement. For he played well on tour in what was an under strength All Black side and for many years afterwards he played with distinction for his union.

He was one of eight All Blacks in the combined Wairarapa-Bush side which lost 19-6 to the touring Great Britain side in 1930 and in 1934 played for both the North Island (as captain) and then the Rest of New Zealand which met the All Blacks on their return from Australia.

He was in the trials to pick the All Black side to tour Britain in 1935 and though by now a veteran of 30 was considered one of the unluckiest to miss selection.

Stringfellow reappeared in representative rugby with Bush in 1937 and though close to 40 appeared in services matches during World War II.

Profile by Lindsay Knight
for the New Zealand Rugby Museum.

POINTS SCORED FOR THE ALL BLACKS	t	c	p	dg	pts
vs An Australian XV, 13 Jul 1929	–	–	–	1	4
vs N.S.W. Country, 17 Jul 1929	3	–	–	–	9
vs Australia, 27 Jul 1929	1	–	–	–	3
Totals	4	0	0	1	16