Northland rugby has lost a provincial legend with the death of Ken Going.
Going, 66, died at his home at Towai, north of Whangarei, last night, after a six-month battle with cancer.
He played 130 matches for the province, then called North Auckland, from 1963 to 1975, appeared 24 times for New Zealand Maori and toured Ireland with the All Blacks in 1974, playing three matches but no tests.
A fullback both respected and feared for his ruthless defence, Going was past his best when he received the callup from the All Blacks selectors.
He had not attended the All Blacks trials in 1974 and shortly before his surprise selection he had had an appendix removed.
Earlier, he was kept out of the national side by the likes of Fergie McCormick and Mick Williment.
In many of his matches for North Auckland Going played alongside his brothers Brian and Sid, the latter a halfback and All Blacks regular.
The brothers were famous for executing many backline moves, including the triple scissors.
