Winner to winemaker for hardman former All Black Ashworth

This photo taken on February 27, 2024 showsformer New Zealand All Black rugby player John Ashworth kissing his grape vines at his home at Junction Wines vineyard in Takapau. It was on an New Zealand All Blacks tour of France in 1977 that former front-row hardman John Ashworth first discovered his love for pinot noir wine. - AFP

TAKAPAU, New Zealand (AFP): It was on a New Zealand rugby tour of France in the 1970s when ex-All Blacks hardman John Ashworth tasted the wine that inspired him to become an award-winning winemaker.

At The Junction, his vineyard near the small town of Takapau, a three-hour drive from Wellington, a room off the cellar door is packed with rugby memorabilia from Ashworth's glory days.