Born: November 15, 1969 Test record: 0 Tests Tours: 1989 tour of Britain and France
Wellington centre David Ewe was called into the Kiwis’ squad as an injury replacement during the 1989 tour of Britain and France, but he was infamously sent home after just two appearances due to off-field misbehaviour.
The Upper Hutt strike weapon and goalkicker rose to prominence as a 20-year-old in 1988, starring for Wellington in its first win in over Auckland in 75 years and in a narrow loss to Great Britain, as well as earning a Kiwi trial and representing New Zealand Māori.
Ewe played on the wing twice against Australia in 1989 – for Wellington and a New Zealand XIII – before answering the call from New Zealand when Tea Ropati broke down with injury mid-tour.
He debuted on the wing against Widnes, kicking a goal in a 26-18 win, and was on the flank again in the Kiwis’ next game, a 44-20 defeat of Featherstone Rovers. But less than two weeks after joining the team, the tyro was sent home due to alcohol-related indiscretions.
Ewe continued to represent Wellington and New Zealand Māori in subsequent seasons, however, and turned out for Hutt Valley Firehawks in the inaugural 1994 Lion Red Cup. He would later coach Manawatu.