Born: 4 March, 1941 – Dunedin Test record: 1 Test (1964) – points
A prolific point-scorer for Hornby and Canterbury who started out in the backline, reached career highwater marks as a forward and returned to the backs, Ian Drayton played one Test for New Zealand in 1964.
Dunedin-born Drayton emerged as a goalkicking fullback/winger for the powerful Hornby club in the early-1960s but played for his province at prop in 1963. He was selected in the Kiwis’ 17-man squad for the 1964 home series against France, replacing Ray Sinel in the second-row for the Christchurch-hosted second Test.
New Zealand carved out a series-sealing 18-8 victory at Addington Show Grounds but injury ruled Drayton out of the third clash at Carlaw Park.
Further international call-ups were not forthcoming for ‘Inky’, but he continued to represent Canterbury and turned out in the clash with the 1966 Great Britain tourists – at fullback.
Drayton, part of four first-past-the-post premierships with Hornby, kicked four goals in the inaugural CRL Grand Final in 1967, won 17-10 by Hornby over Addington.