A SPECIAL END OF SEASON MESSAGE TO ALL SOUTH CANTERBURY RUGBY FANS

From Josh South

Brent South – The man that Bled Green and Black.

Brent had a lot of passions in his life, but his biggest passion was rugby, not just any old rugby though, South Canterbury Rugby. At almost every game for the past 25 years you would find Brent, my Dad, sitting in the same spot, just by the players tunnel, rain, hail or shine, supporting his team. Over the years he also went on the road, following his team to their games where ever they happened to be playing throughout NZ.

Brent loved the game and was a green & black supporter extraordinaire. He valued the game, the players, the management and the many friendships that he formed as a result. The players and management valued him too, always looking out for him and regularly inviting him out after games, the respect was mutual.

Brent’s spot was well known to the players and perhaps there was some comfort in seeing him sitting there as they ran onto the field. I say this because a few years ago a couple of senior players noticed someone else sitting in Brent’s seat before the game. Rather than break with tradition they politely moved them along, so Brent could be placed on his throne where he traditionally belonged.

Due to ailing health his presence at games slowly decreased over the past couple of years and he couldn’t get to as many games as he would have liked. At this point Brent came to the realisation that for him, watching the mighty Green and Blacks was coming to an end, although he did manage to get to a couple of games during the 2017 season.

On Sunday 11^th February 2018 Brent’s ill health caught up with him and he passed away surrounded by his family at the South Canterbury Hospice.

The South Canterbury Rugby Union wanted to acknowledge his loyal support over the last 25years. They have done this by including a “Stand Up” award for the representative player who “stood up” and showed the most dedication on and off the field during the week of a game. This is ironic given Brent’s lack of limbs below both knees.

The SCRFU also personally invited Brent’s family to the first home game of the season, asking them to sit in the same spot that Brent sat in for 25 year. Myself and my sons Max and Leighton were greeted by a sign highlighting the memorial seat in honour for South Canterbury’s number one supporter, it was a very special and emotional moment for all of us. We have watched every home game of 2018, sitting in his spot.

This tradition is one that will now carry on.

Win, draw or loose, Dad was always proud of the team, and although he knew sport was about having a winner and a loser, for him it was more about the friendships made and the fun to be had.

I have attached a photo that as a family we find very special. After the east coast game, Veikoso “James” Poloniati, put the trophy on Dads spot, It sat there for about 20mins after the final whistle, this proves to us the huge amount of respect that the players had for dad. Pictured in the photo is Leighton at the front and Max at the back.

“Thank you South Canterbury rugby community for remembering my Dad this past season it has meant so much to our family”.

Josh South

Article added: Monday 26 November 2018