Richard Alfred How

Ric How was a lightning fast winger with size and strength who earned national honours following a breakout representative season in the late 1960s.

Born in Neyoor (Neyyoor), India, How was educated at The Armidale School and then attended the University of NewEngland, where he graduated as a zoologist.

How played his club football for Armidale City and from there played his first representative rugby for New England in 1964. He earned a debut for New South Wales Country in 1967 and starred in their match against Sydney. With less than 10 minutes left to play Country took advantage of a Sydney fumble and sent the ball out wide to How who ‘in an exhibition of Michael Cleary-style running evaded the Sydney backs to score under the posts.’ His try was converted and Country earned a famous 13-9 victory.

A few days later How was selected for his first state game, for New South Wales against Ireland. Reports of the 21-9 win, the biggest victory over a touring team since the war, suggest How ‘made an outstanding first appearance for NSW. He ran well with the ball and his part in [Phil] Smith’s try was the result of quick thinking.’ How’s good form caught the eye of the national selectors and he was rewarded with a Test debut against the Irish in Sydney. In what was described as a ‘drab Test’, Ireland prevailed 11-5 as they exploited the international rule which allowed the ball to be kicked into touch from any part of the field.

Several Wallaby backline greats played their final Test that day including Jim Lenehan, Stewart Boyce and Dick Marks. How continued to present Country until 1973 however he was unavailable for all higher representative rugby for three seasons (1970-72) while he completed his doctorate.

Ric How played one Test for Australia and will forever be Wallaby #504.

Highlights

1967

How won his first Test cap on the left wing in the 5-11 loss to Ireland at the S.C.G.