Life Member Chat: Dave Brown (Northern United)

Northern United Life Member and former Club Captain, President and Treasurer Dave Brown at Poneke last weekend. PHOTO: Chainsaw Photos.

In a new series, we catch up with a Life Member from a club.

Starting with Dave Brown from Northern United.

What is your rugby background and where did you spend your formative years?

I grew up in a small South Canterbury village called Albury, which is on State Highway 8 between Timaru and Mt Cook. As a boy we used to travel to Fairlie to watch the local rugby Club, Mackenzie.

I attended Fairlie District High School and played in the First XV in my last year at school, yr 11 in today’s terms. I joined the Army as a 16 year old boy soldier and travelled to Waiouru in 1964 to start this new part of my life. I played in the Cadet First XV in my second year, 1965, the highlight being able to play in the Junior Combined Services tournament in 1965. A memorable time was travelling to Wanganui in 1966 to watch the British and Irish Lions play Wanganui King Country in which the Meads Brothers, Colin and Stan played.W

Talk us through your association with Norths?

I joined the Porirua RFC in 1984. I coached the Police College rugby team as they played under the Porirua RFC name. In 1987/88 I was the Club Captain and in 1989 was Club Captain when we played as Porirua – Titahi Bay United.

Down the seasons I have you been a Player/coach/administrator/volunteer – a combination of these things over the years? Please tell us about the roles you have played with your current club?

I was Club Captain of the Northern United (Norths) RFC in 1990, President in 1991 and 92, Treasurer in 93 and 94 then managed the premier team in 95 and 96. I then needed a break, so  became an avid supporter for the next few years. As age becomes an issue, so does remembering dates but I believe I came back as Treasurer in about 2014 and finished in  2015. Then I stepped aside and was/am  assistant treasurer up until now.

On any given Saturday during the season, what is your current involvement?

I have a daughter who plays Netball, so mornings are taken up watching her. I have a grandson who played for St Pat’s Town, so when possible would go and watch him. I am a member of our wonderful “100” club and  believe I haven’t missed a Premier game in the last two to three years. My other passion is Golf.

What have been a couple highlights or moments on and off the field during your time with your club?

Probably when we had an unbelievably great team and were unbeaten at Porirua Park for at least two years. Also watching the team play their first game as Norths. This was against  Upper Hutt as a night game at the Hutt Rec. A narrow loss thanks to an Alan Henderson dropped goal in the last minute.

Also watching Jonah Lomu play at Porirua Park for Wainuiomata against our second team. The high point was when we won our first Jubilee Cup, which cemented the reason as to why we amalgamated to become Norths.

Who have been your favourite players at Norths?

Probably one cannot go past Jerry Collins, what a great example of being a “club man,” and the other would be Pita Alatini who had a big influence on our younger lads. We have had a huge amount of local boys who have made the step up to professionalism like Schwalger, Fruean, the Ellison boys and many others.

Is there a favourite opposition ground or venue you have enjoyed going to? 

I have no favourite place, Porirua Park is my place. I Enjoy travelling to other clubs to watch our boys play, but there is no place like home

Club rugby and rugby in general, has changed, and not always for the better. What are your thoughts on how the game and how club rugby has changed over the years?

The WRFU needs to stop entering young guys into Academies and protecting them from playing rugby. These future players need to know what club rugby is about, the “belonging” to a place. Sure they can offer advanced training, but the emphasis needs to and should always be club rugby.

Professionalism  has affected club rugby, with much higher expectations from these young men, instead of having fun, playing with mates and if possible having a winning culture.