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Ivan Vodanovich: Wellington Rugby Legend and All Black Pioneer
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A towering figure in New Zealand rugby, Ivan Vodanovich left an indelible mark on the sport as a player, coach, selector, and administrator.From his dominant performances in the front row for Wellington and Marist Old Boys in the 1950s and 60s to his leadership roles with the All Blacks, Vodanovich embodied dedication and a relentless work ethic.
Early Career and Rise to Prominence
Born in Whanganui on April 8, 1930, and educated at Kaitangaweka School, Vodanovich began his rugby journey with King Country in 1949 before relocating to Wellington and joining Marist Old Boys in early 1950. Initially a loose forward, he was skillfully transitioned to the prop position, where he quickly excelled.”I.M.H.vodanovich is a splendid pack leader – we think there is none better in Wellington,” reported The Rugby Weekly during his playing days,a sentiment echoed throughout the decade. “On Saturday he really ‘bounded off’ at times and his forwards responded with alacrity.” Another observer noted, “Vodanovich invariably seems to be one of the best two or three forwards on the ground and the Marist forwards always go with him to a man.”
the 96kg, 1983cm tall prop made his Wellington representative debut in 1952, becoming a mainstay in the front row until his retirement in 1960. over his career with Wellington, he participated in 99 first-class matches, scoring 13 tries. He was a key component of the Wellington team that captured the ranfurly Shield from Waikato in 1958, a victory he described as “a grate day for Wellington rugby.”
1960: A Peak Year for Marist
Year, 1960, marked a high point for Vodanovich and Marist. The club secured its third Jubilee Cup, with Vodanovich as both captain and a key architect of their success alongside coach Frank Ryan and vice-captain Cam Stewart. According to accounts from Donaghue and Dive’s The First 50 Years, Marist’s dominance was evident in their statistics: 323 points scored and only 96 conceded, with the team amassing 47 tries. A contemporary observer remarked that Vodanovich, despite narrowly missing selection for the All Blacks tour of South Africa, “kept his game at an uncommonly high pitch throughout the season,” and was “a great inspiration to the players under him.” The WRFU President at the time,Mr. E.R.G. Steere, praised vodanovich, stating he was “an honest toiler” who, “if he was less of an honest toiler and more of a shiner, he would be far away from new Zealand playing rugby today.” Marist defeated Petone 10-5 in the Jubilee Cup decider, securing the victory after establishing a lead playing into the wind in the first half.
Transition to Coaching and Governance
Vodanovich retired as a player in 1960 after 135 first-class matches and 17 tries, but his involvement with rugby continued unabated. He remained actively involved with Marist, even training with the team twice a week in 1961. He transitioned into coaching, leading Marist in the early 1960s and assisting with the Wellington coaching staff alongside Bill Freeman in 1964 and 1965.
His coaching career progressed rapidly, culminating in the role of All Blacks coach from 1969 to 1971. Prior to that,he coached the North Island team in 1966 and served as an All Blacks selector from 1967 to 1969. As All Blacks coach,he led the team on tours to South Africa and hosted the British and Irish Lions in 1971,though both series resulted in losses.
Vodanovich’s commitment extended to administration, serving on the Executive of the WRFU between 1964 and 1968 and the NZRFU Council from 1969 to 1992. He was awarded a Life Membership to the NZRFU in 1992 and also served as Chairman of the Maori advisory Board from 1981 to 1986. He even authored two coaching manuals in 1982, further demonstrating his dedication to developing the game.
