Ian Kirkpatrick is widely regarded as one of the greatest flankers to have ever graced a rugby field and was inducted into the World Rugby Hall of Fame in 2014.
Making his All Blacks debut against France in 1967 in an era where it was uncommon for forwards to score tries, Kirkpatrick amassed a whopping 16 career tries in just 39 appearances, a record he held until it was eventually broken by Stu Wilson in 1983.
He also captained the New Zealand national team from 1972 to 1973 before being replaced by Andy Leslie in 1974 but continued to represent his country until 1977.
Hailing from East Coast's Gisborne, farming is in Kirkpatrick's blood and over the years he has spent many hours in the shearing shed and out in the fields.
Watch the full chat between Hamish McKay and Ian Kirkpatrick above as they discuss farming, rugby, rural mental health and everything in between.
Catch a new episode of Hamish's Hero's every Monday at rexonline.co.nz.
