Rugby: Mytton tipped as England chance

By Wynne Gray

Cliff Mytton, a North Harbour midfield back until a few years ago, could be the latest New Zealander to be chosen for another World Cup rugby nation.

The 30-year-old Mytton played more than 50 games for Harbour, but he was always battling All Blacks Walter Little and Frank Bunce for regular selection.

He chose to take his rugby talents to France, while his passport makes him eligible to play for England. The midfielder plays for the impressive Stade Francais club, from where reports say he has been in outstanding form.

That form persuaded star Tricolor first five-eighths Thomas Castaignede to describe Mytton as "the best foreign player in France."

"If he was French he would be playing for France," Castaignede declared.

"If he is able to play for England I would advise Clive Woodward to watch him at Stade Francais."

Mytton was born in Auckland after his father emigrated from England, a background which has interested the England rugby scouts.

Many New Zealand rugby players and coaches have been investigating their heritage in recent years as they explore possible international rugby careers outside New Zealand and the All Blacks.

It was revealed in the New Zealand Herald this week that Chiefs utility Bruce Reihana still qualified for France as well as New Zealand, while in recent times players like the Leslie brothers, Glenn Metcalfe and Shane Howarth have been selected and shone for Five Nations sides.