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AURFC LUNCHEON

AURFC Annual Pre Test Luncheon - 2009

So much for the recession. No less than 71 tables of 10 packed Eden Park’s ASB Stand to reminisce, ruminate, laugh, and of course lie through their teeth about the good ol’ days.
James McOnie, just the second MC in the 17-year history of this University Rugby Club luncheon, kept the mood upbeat and interesting with his endless array of one liners and double entendres.

But trust an Australian to gatecrash the party and prove the star turn. Peter FitzSimons, sleeves rolled up, and at his passionate, articulate best, probably managed to shift several copies of his Charles Kingsford Smith book, but he brought the house down with about 80 minutes worth of banter and anecdotes packed into a single half.

Last year’s speaker Richard Loe featured heavily in at least one tale from circa 1992. Winston Peters declined to speak (a surprise, that), but some of Ian McKenzie’s ‘nieces’ did auction their underwear.

The food, wine and beer was the usual quality fare, and many punters repared to the Barbarians club to work barmen Dean Paddy (former prems coach) and Rodney Doidge (good bloke) off their feet.

But the most important, indeed poignant, moment of the six hour (a conservative estimate) luncheon was the launch of the John Drake Memorial Scholarship. Graham Henry (a Varsity man, with Gallaher Shields as a player and coach) and Tim Burcher (one of the great passers) spoke well and movingly on Drakey and his rugby life.

It was another outstanding Varsity luncheon – hats off to Macca and Rob Connoley – and we await with impatience the 2010 event.


2010 AURFC Annual Pre Test Luncheon
ASB Lounge - Eden Park
Thursday 8th July 2010


Test Match: All Blacks v South Africa 10th of July 2010


Contact: info@aurfc.co.nz for tickets, information and sponsorship opportunities for the 2010 luncheon.

 

 

 

 

 


Photos:
1. AURFC supporters and old boys
2. AURFC old boy Graham Henry
3. AURFC MC James McOnie
4. 2009 Speaker Peter FitzSimons