Remembering PL Anderson: A Legacy of Community and Rugby

Peter Lyall “PL” Anderson, a prominent figure in New Zealand’s rugby community and a dedicated sheep farmer, passed away last week. He leaves behind a rich legacy in both agriculture and sports, especially in the Tarras and Wānaka areas. His wife of 53 years, Jan Anderson, fondly recalls their life together, often describing the challenges of being a “rugby widow” due to her husband’s deep involvement in the sport.

Born in Cromwell in 1940, Mr. Anderson was raised on a family farm near Tarras. His early education took place locally before he attended Timaru Boys’ High School. After completing his studies, he returned to Central Otago to pursue a career as a shepherd, gaining experience on various farms. Eventually, he became the manager of Criffel Station, where he met Jan at a local teachers’ hostel in the late 1960s.

In a light-hearted reflection, Mrs. Anderson noted that the hostel was a gathering place for single women in the area, where “all the locals came around to check out the talent.” Their meeting led to a lifelong partnership, culminating in marriage in 1972 in Milton. She describes her husband as a generous individual whose commitment to the community sometimes overshadowed their family time, particularly due to his passion for rugby.

Mr. Anderson’s dedication to rugby earned him the nickname “PL,” a name derived from his habit of referring to players and acquaintances by their initials. His wife humorously recounted moments when his obsession with the sport caused friction, recalling, “I stood there with my hands on my hips and said ‘your obsession with rugby is sickening.’” Despite occasional frustrations, his passion led to significant contributions to local rugby, including the amalgamation of the Tarras and Wānaka Rugby Clubs in the early 1970s, where he served as the inaugural president.

Under his leadership, the Clutha Rugby Club became one of the first in the country to permit women into after-match functions in 1972. Previously, women had to wait outside in freezing cars. Mrs. Anderson reminisced, “I remember being a rugby wife sitting in the car.” Mr. Anderson was later honored as the club patron in 1993, a role he held for over three decades.

Gary Read, current president of the Upper Clutha Rugby Football Club (UCRFC), praised Mr. Anderson’s extensive contributions, stating, “His dedication, leadership, and passion for our club helped shape UCRFC into the community and family it is today.” Read emphasized that Mr. Anderson’s influence would resonate across all levels of rugby within the community.

Will Anderson, their son, remarked on his father’s unwavering positivity, despite facing various health challenges. “He was a great community man and formed close friendships across generations,” he said. Reflecting on their father’s impact, Will noted that many of his former players maintained correspondence with him long after they moved away, showcasing the deep respect and affection he garnered.

In addition to rugby, Mr. Anderson had a profound love for dog trialling. He trained his own heading dogs, served as chairman of the local dog trial club, and even judged at the National Dog Trials. His farming career was built on a foundation of hard work and dedication. After marrying, the couple purchased Jan’s parents’ farm in Milton in 1975, marking their entry into farming. Five years later, they acquired Cloudy Peak Station in Tarras, where they raised their children, Will and Emily, while managing a flock of 10,000 sheep on their 10,000ha farm.

Mrs. Anderson described her husband as “a stockman through and through,” despite not being mechanically inclined. His commitment to farming and community was evident in every aspect of his life. As the community mourns his passing, the legacy of PL Anderson will surely endure, remembered for his contributions to rugby, agriculture, and the many lives he touched over the years.