Taranaki rugby legend Ian ‘Legs’ Eliason’s name stands tall among the greats.

Ian was inducted into the Taranaki Sports Hall of Fame in November 2025. His career was defined by commitment, toughness, and a love for representing the province. He made a record‑setting 222 appearances for Taranaki.

Reflecting on Ian’s contribution, long time locking partner and friend John Thwaites said he was a hard worker on the field, and a great team man.

“He’s a great bloke. He was good with the young players when they first came into to the team. He made them feel part of the team, but he was a great guy sharing his friendship with all the players and making them feel needed.”

Graham Mourie, a fellow Taranaki Sports Hall of Fame member, said the young players looked up to him.

“Legs was certainly an inspiration to us really. Just his love of the game and his commitment to being a team member. There was always a lot of confidence in the team when he was on the field.”

In 1972 his long wait for higher honours was rewarded, when he was selected for the All Blacks tour of Britain. He never played a Test, but teammates and rivals recognised his class. One British journalist wrote that in Taranaki “Eliason was mentioned so often you’d think he was a brand of beer.”

After retiring, Ian continued to serve the game he loved, coaching at Kaponga, and stepping into leadership roles with the TRFU. In 1981 he became the first life‑member honoured solely for his playing record.

When Ian passed away in 2019 the tributes poured in. Respected All Black photographer Peter Bush called him “the most honest player” he had ever seen. “He stood for what being an All Black, if you came from a lesser province, was all about.”

About the Taranaki Sports Hall of Fame

The Taranaki Sports Hall of Fame celebrates high performing sportspeople whose contribution to sport in the region has made a lasting impact. Established in 2009, it recognises excellence across codes and the depth and diversity of Taranaki’s sporting community.

For a video tribute and more about Ian Legs Eliason visit the Taranaki Sports Hall of Fame

Article added: Friday 05 December 2025