NOBODY can accuse John Plumtree of cutting corners during his apprenticeship for a position among the All Black coaching elite, one that began in Swansea so long ago he was gone before the creation of the Ospreys.
In five seasons coaching the Whites, the young New Zealander learnt enough to win the Welsh League, the Welsh Cup and the forerunner of the Celtic League, the Welsh-Scottish League.
From south Wales, Plumtree headed back home, to Wellington, only to leave again, for South Africa and Ireland.
After one season there as forwards’ coach, he retraced his steps back to Wellington ...