Sir Wilson Whineray, one of the greatest All Black of all time to finally tell his story

For four decades, Sir Wilson Whineray, a high-flying achiever in both rugby and business, has stubbornly resited approaches from publishers and authors to publish his biography.  Finally he has relented and his story will be told in A Perfect Gentleman: The Sir Wilson Whineray Story written by Bob Howitt, published by HarperCollins Publishers New Zealand.

Whineray was arguably the All Blacks’ greatest captain, and certainly its greatest ambassador, wowing the Brits with his oratory and receiving a standing ovation at Cardiff Arms Park as the crowd sang ‘For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow’ at the conclusion of the 1963–64 tour.

With glittering credentials as a rugby player, Whineray committed himself 100 per cent to his business career. Attaining an MBA from Harvard University, he had companies eager to acquire his services. He joined Alex Harvey Industries, going on to become a leader in the business world.

‘Only rarely do individuals of Sir Wilson’s  quality come along,’ says HarperCollins’ Publishing Consultant, Bill Honeybone.  ‘It’s equally rare to get the story behind such a remarkable achiever. We’re delighted that Sir Wilson has at last put his natural reticence to one side and agreed to tell his story to respected rugby writer Bob Howitt.’

 A Perfect Gentleman is due to be published in October this year.  In interviewing Sir Wilson’s rugby and business colleagues and those closest to him, Bob Howitt has uncovered myriad enthralling stories to produce a book of magical quality. At last New Zealand will get to see what makes one of New Zealand’s finest all-round gentlemen.

Photo credit - Michelle Hyslop. Times photo.