[1] In 1970 Gard played in his first All Black trial but was not selected to tour South Africa that year.
In 1971 he was called into the national side at second five-eighth after a strong performance for the combined Hanan Shield unions team against the touring British Lions.
He played in the trials for the end-of-year tour of Britain, Ireland and France, but was not selected.
[1] Gard continued playing for North Otago until his retirement in 1977, having made 85 appearances for the union.
He served as a committee member and president of the Kurow club, but died from cancer in 1990.