Later a team administrator with Newport RFC.
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In the match programme for Newport v Llanelli played on 19th September 1992 the following article was published in the column 'Moments of Rugby Pride':-
"PICKED FOR BIG GAME . . ."
"One of the proudest moments in Philip Ward's playing career was when he was informed that he had been selected to play on the left wing for Newport rugby team against the 1972-3 New Zealanders, who had previously defeated Wales, Scotland and England, as well as Monmouthshire, Cardiff and East Glamorgan."
" "The announcement of the team was made just a few days after I had returned from Newport's Scottish tour. I did not think I would be in the team to meet the All Blacks, but to my great delight I was picked for the big game. It was a proud day for me and I shall always remember it," explained Phil Ward, now Newport Rugby Club's team administrator."
"Ward, then a 19-year old farmer at St. Mellons, had captained Newport's youth team the previous season, and he had stepped into Newport's first team not long before their 1973 new year's tour of Scotland. In fact, before that trip across the border he had played just seven first team games for Newport."
"His performance against the Watsonians, whose line he crossed for an exhilarating try, and against Hawick were so splendid that they led Mr. Nick Carter, then Newport's secretary, to comment, "We have high hopes of him". Those performances also clinched his selection to play against the New Zealanders and at the same time provided him with his great moment of pride."
"Ward, however, was not on the winning side on that memorable day. Newport, led by Geoff Evans, put up a creditable display and restricted their powerful opponents to a narrow 20-15 victory, eleven of Newport's points coming from the boot of that wonder kicker, full back Robin Williams, who once scored 517 points in a season for Pontypool."
"Ward was partnered by centre Norman Edwards, who, three years earlier, was a member of the Monmouthshire team who defeated the South Africans at Ebbw Vale. Young Ward, however, faced an exacting test, for playing opposite him was that great New Zealand wing Bryan Williams. Nevertheless, he justified his selection, for he made several spirited runs and tackled grimly. His comment today was, "I thoroughly enjoyed that match"."
"Ward, who had been capped by Wales at youth level, went on to make 18 first team appearances for Newport that season, at the end of which he was in the Newport team who went to South Africa under the managership of that old stalwart, Alf Panting."
"Ward is still farming in the St. Mellons area, but he still finds time to give a helping hand to Newport Rugby Club, where he is now in his second season as the team administrator."
"WILLIS HUNTLEY"