RUTHERFORD_TO_TRANSVAAL_16JUL95

The following article appeared in the Sunday Times, 16 July 1995

Rutherford for Transvaal.

Ken Rutherford, until recently the New Zealand Test captain, was yesterday announced as Transvaal`s surprise overseas signing for the coming season. Rutherford, an attacking batsman who won plaudits in South Africa for the positive way in which he led an outgunned Kiwi team on a tour last season, was unceremoniously axed as his country`s captain at the end os a disappointing New Zealand Centenary season.

"I wasn`t told officially, in fact I wasn`t told at all,"Rutherford said from his home in Dunedin. "It was a disappointment but was not the reason why I decided to play in South Africa."

According to Rutherford, the challenge of playing in South Africa and changes in his personal life, which included a marriage break-up, were among the reasons why he decided to move.

A veteran of 56 Tests and 121 limited overs internationals, Rutherford says he has not turned his back on New Zealand cricket.

"I only turn 30 in October. I have signed a two year contract wit Transvaal and I am young enough not to count out the possibility of a comeback at international level."

Rutherford, who has played all his previous provincial cricket for Otago since making his debut as a 17 year old, says he is by nature a loyal person and he hopes to repay Transvaal for their faith in him.

"They have been very enthusiastic throughout the negotiations and I will put in every effort in return."

There is a view in Transvaal that Rutherford might be the man to captain the province after Mark Rushmere`s disappointing form last season but Rutherford is cautious about the prospect.

"If the opportunity arose I would welcome the challenge but only if I have the backing of all the players. I wouldn`t want to ruffle any feathers. The greatest thing about cricket is that it is a team game and the best way to enjoy it and be successful is to have a happy dressing room and a good team spirit."

He will arrive in late August or early September and will be available for all Transvaal`s matches. He said he had long been "intrigued" by South Africa, taking a keen interest in its political development as well as its cricketers and last season`s tour had fulfilled one of his greatest ambitions.

Transvaal CE Albie During said Rutherford had shown he could master the pace and bounce at the Wanderes when he made 68 in inspiring New Zealand to an upset victory in the first Test last season.

"He is a man of stature, a current test player and he has plenty to prove."

Although Rutherford`s Test average is a modest 27.09 his domestic first-class average in New Zealand is 44.38. He has hit 23 firstclass centuries including a spectacular 317 of 245 ball for New Zealand against Brian Close`s 11 in Scarborough in 1986 against an attack which included Franklyn Stephenson, Rod Estwick, Chris Old, Dilip Doshi and Collis King.

During said new Zealand cricket chairman Peter McDermott had been informed of the negotiations and had given his blessing to Rutherford`s move.

Source: Sunday Times July 16th, 1995