That is how it was. They were tough back then.
It was 1956 and that first taste at primary school in Invercargill sparked a lifelong passion for the game.
That same enthusiasm has kept him involved as a player, coach, administrator and fan ever since.
A couple of weeks ago he was made a life member of Otago Country Rugby alongside fellow stalwart Rob Roy.
It was a thrill for a modest man who just wanted to contribute where he could.
The 67-year-old has certainly done that. His proudest moment came when the board made the selfless decision to pay the Otago country creditors when the Otago Rugby Football Union faced the very real threat of financial ruin in 2012.
``We coped a lot of flak over that and we still do occasionally. But I'm proud of that decision we took as a board,'' he said.
``There was lots of country creditors. The likes of bus companies, caterers and clubs that had provided catering and all that sort of stuff who weren't going to get paid.
``That helped out the Otago Union because that was money they didn't have to pay. It was made clear to us that if we didn't do that, and Otago Rugby went into liquidation, we may not be here today.''
While McPhee's introduction to the sport was in Invercargill, he played most of his rugby for Clutha. The slippery centre started playing for the club in 1969 and joined the committee as a 19-year-old. By 26 he was the president.
He coached the premier side from 1990 to 1993. Clutha won the banner in 1990.
McPhee, who lives in Cromwell, took a break from rugby administration when he moved his family to Dunedin for business reasons in 1999.
But shortly after moving back to Central Otago eight years later, he was back involved.
``I sort of made noises about my thoughts on country rugby and where it was heading at the time, so I had to put everything where my mouth was.''
He joined the board of Otago Country Rugby in 2008 and served as chairman from 2011 to 2018.
He resigned from the board last year but is still on the judiciary and still has a very keen interest.
``We've got a real good board operating at the moment and I thought maybe it was time to get out now.
``I'm very pleased to say it has carried on and there has been some new ideas bought into it. It is going very well.''
Rugby in general has some daunting challenges ahead. But McPhee is optimistic about country rugby.
While there are dwindling player numbers in the rural areas, there is growth in other areas such as Wanaka, Cromwell and Wakatipu.
Life membership came with a badge and a ``nice bottle of whisky'' which survived the celebration.
``It did survive because I wanted to keep it. But we did have a fairly hard night, I have to say. ''
Roy was part of the festivities and his bottle of whisky also survived. The 70-year-old played most of his club rugby in Dunedin for University and Southern.
A skilful loose forward, he played 106 games for Otago in the 1970s. His association with Otago Country began when he moved to Alexandra in 1979.
He played for Alexandra for two years and coached the seniors for three years.
He held various selection roles and was also involved with Otago B for three years. But it was the 18-year stint he spent as the secretary and treasurer for Otago Country Rugby which brought the unexpected honour.
He served in those positions from 1983 to 2001.
``I was caught by surprise, really,'' Roy said when asked how he felt about the life membership.
``It came out of the blue. I'm privileged to be given the honour.''
Roy stayed involved so long because he wanted to give back to a game which had given him so much.
Otago Rugby Football Union president Des Smith made the presentation at the Alexandra Rugby Club. He brought the Ranfurly Shield with him and both men were able to get a picture with the coveted trophy.