As JD Stewart, Professor of Farm Management at Lincoln University and later Principal, Sir James coached the Canterbury team that brought the Shield to Canterbury in 1969, lifting it from Hawkes Bay, 18-11.
Under Stewart, Canterbury went on to hold it for 12 defences through to 1973 when beaten by Marlborough 13-6.
Among the regular players in Stewart's Shield team was Lincoln agricultural commerce student and future All Black Ian Hurst, the father of current Canterbury halfback Ben Hurst. Ben was on hand at the University yesterday for the Shield's return and to meet his father's coach.
A Canterbury representative in his playing days as a hooker, Sir James also represented New Zealand Universities and was a member of the Canterbury University and Lincoln University senior teams.
For further information contact
Ian Collins, Journalist, Lincoln University, Canterbury
Tel: (03) 3252811 ext 8549.
Email: Ian Collins