New Zealand Football is sad to hear of the passing of former All White Kenneth (Ken) France.

He passed away peacefully on Friday 30 August at home surrounded by his family and friends, aged 78.

France represented New Zealand from 1967 to 1973, playing in five internationals for the national team.

He played four games for New Zealand in 1967, the first as a substitute against Singapore at a Vietnam National Day tournament on 8 November. He started in the next game against Vietnam on 10 November.

New Zealand then travelled home via Kuala Lumpur and Perth playing Malaysia and West Australia. He played in both of these games, captaining New Zealand in the second.

He was a member of the New Brighton club – which later amalgamated with Rangers to form the present day Coastal Spirit – at the time and went on to transfer to Christchurch United.

While with Christchurch United, he represented New Zealand against New Caledonia in Noumea in 1971 and against Iran in Auckland in 1973.

The English-born France, who had a long career as a policeman, was a former Bolton Wanderers apprentice and England Youth and Schoolboys international.

France tasted Chatham Cup glory in 1972 when he captained Christchurch United to an epic, three-game final series victory over Mount Wellington.

In 2013, France reflected on this success, saying lifting the cup with Christchurch United was among the highlights of his football career.

“That’s a good memory. I remember coming back to the airport [after winning the cup in Auckland in 1972] and the place was packed,” he said.  “It’s nice to look back and say that you’ve done it.”

He also played in the 1974 team which defeated Wellington Diamond United at QE II Stadium.

As well as his winning appearances for Christchurch United in the Chatham Cup, he was on the losing side in 1968 when Technical (now Cashmere Technical) lost 2-0 to Eastern Suburbs.

Ken was the much-loved husband of Marion and beloved dad of Ian and Gail.

Article added: Thursday 05 September 2019