1975 Team Reunion

In 1975, the Northcote Birkenhead Rugby Union and Sports Club’s 4th Grade (Under 20) lifted the Auckland-wide championship trophy.

In 1975, the Northcote Birkenhead Rugby Union and Sports Club’s 4th Grade (Under 20) lifted the Auckland-wide championship trophy—back in the day before the North Harbour Rugby Union existed.

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of their win, ex-coach Shane Coleman, along with former players Simon Williamson and Jim Shewan, organised a reunion dinner. Attendees travelled from as far as Bangkok, Newcastle, Christchurch and Kerikeri, reflecting the enduring bonds within the team. The reunion brought together 63 former players, coaches, management, and supporters, including the widows of three team members who have sadly passed away. The group remembered players Sean Cavan and Chris Fitzgerald, as well as a friend of the team, Eddie Meachan, with a tribute led by Norm McKenzie. The evening’s MC was current Premier Centurion player, Ben Searle, son of 1975 4th Grade team member, John Searle.

Shane Coleman spoke after dinner of the team's success in ’75 and how the spirit of this group of young men was a major factor in its success. This group continued to contribute to rugby, and Shane referred to the contribution of a number of the team, carrying on to coach various teams, both at Northcote and outside the club. The highest achieving players were John Edmonds, who represented NZ Combined Services, and John Killalea, who played for NSW Country.

The team also provided two members who have made outstanding contributions in the administration of rugby, namely Brent Hewitt, who was President of Northland Rugby, and Simon Williamson ( Life member of Northcote RFC), who is the current President of North Harbour Rugby.