Neil Murphy Rugby Legends

1 | England Legends vs Ireland legends

DATE:

Saturday 9th April 2011TIME:

12.00pm - 7.30pmVENUE:

The AvenueSunbury-on-ThamesMiddlesex TW16 5EQ ALSO ON THE DAY: Buffet & DrinksRaffl eAuctionIrish Folk Singer

£20 - Entry, Programme & Meal IncludedFree entry for children 11 and under

London Irish Wild Geese vs BeckenhamKick off 2.30pm

England Legends vs Ireland LegendsKick off 4.15pm

John O’Driscoll in full charge it’s

his fi rst game at London Irish

since 1985

03England Legends vs Ireland legends |02 | England Legends vs Ireland legends

Neil Murphy Legends ORDER

OF PLAY

12 noon Gates open

2.30pm London Irish wild geese vs Beckenham

4.15pm England Legends vs Ireland Legends Before the game there will be a minutes silence in memory of Andy

miller a former team mate of Neil’s who died last year of a heart attack leaving a wife Helen and two boys

5.30pm Final whistles

5.45pm Speeches Neil Murphy Charles Murphy Susan Marshfi eld (BRACE Alzheimer’s) Stephen Macleod

6.10pm Auction in 4 provinces bar auctioneer Chris Mills

6.30pm Food and Irish folk singer Sean Brady in 4 provinces bar

7.30pm Depart

NB no access will be allowed into the 4 provinces bar until 2.30pm a past presidents lunch will be taking place.

Please do not park vehicles in the virgin active car park and only where you are directed to.


Mat

ch o

ffi ci

al Referee

Mike Deasy

Represented the First XV (1977) at Nudgee College, Brisbane, Queensland, playing against Mark Loane and Paul McLean (Wallabies) in that year’s Old Boys Match.

Studied Dentistry and played club rugby at the University of Queensland.

Travelled to London in 1983. While waiting for a tube at Earls Court Station on a cold February morning we were surrounded by drunken men wearing skirts and speaking in funny accents. They insisted that we come with them; resolutely we insisted that we could not as we were fl at hunting. Forty minutes later we arrived at the fl at we were booked to view, The cabbage patch. great fl at, very spacious, crowed, noisy, served beer and best of all had the 1984 version of a big screen HD 3D with full surround sound in the back garden, Twickenham Stadium, Eng. V Scot. Never did see that fl at!

My mates and I did eventually fi nd some were to live. Happened upon London Irish RFC, played a bit until the left shoulder was separated (not good for a dentist) one too many times. Got roped into coaching/refereeing Mini than Youth Rugby. Despite many players, coaches and spectators kindly advising that my eyesight is failing I enjoy referring for the London Society, LSRFUR.

Mike Deasy B.D.Sc. (Qld)DENTIST

25 High Street Hampton HillTW12 1NB

Tel: 020 8941 9090

Physio

Nicola MacLean

For the past seven years until recently I have had great fun running the Physio Team at London Irish Amateur, treating players aged 6 to 66.

I retrained in Sports Massage and Management of Injuries at St Mary’s University as a second career with a view to treating my son’s injuries sustained playing fi rst XV rugby at Wellington College. Since then I’ve worked for Barnes Vets, Reading Rugby Club and LIA as well as Shepperton Ladies Cricket Club, Henley Rowing Regatta, the Oxford crews at the Boat Race and at the London Marathon.

A native of Cornwall now living in Teddington I divide my working life between three physiotherapy clinics in Richmond and Roehampton as well as private patients.

Having been brought up in a rugby household - my father played for Falmouth, Cornwall, the Royal Navy and was once selected, but sadly remained on the bench, for England - I do enjoy being involved in all aspects of the game. Having my own personalized wine glass behind the bar in the Four Provinces says it all!

Sup

port

staf

f

Touch Judge

Tom Tahany

I joined London Irish aged 7 and was a member of the ‘Millennium class’ for 9 years. I attend Wimbledon College Sixth Form and qualifi ed as a referee in October 2009.

I am delighted to have been invited to be involved in today’s benefi t match.


This afternoon is a tribute to the ‘Spirit of Rugby’. Who would ever have believed that you could get a side together with an average age of 49 years old who have amassed in excess of any number if not hundreds International caps in their day, to put their bodies and reputations on the line one more time in aid of a fellow player who is less fortunate than them… But here we are on a Saturday afternoon ready to take on the London Irish!

and would have been playing today if he had been more fortunate. We were a ‘balanced’ centre partnership at London Irish in the early 1980’s. I did all the tackling (and

invariably got injured) Neil did all the running and try-scoring and caught the eye of the selectors! He was also a great tourist and can recount endless tales of trips to far away places such as Canada, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Bermuda where he toured with London Irish and surrey. On Neil’s behalf we are most grateful for all the enthusiasm and support for today’s match. We are extremely grateful to London Irish amateur club for hosting the event.

Terry Long, David Fitzgerald, Kieran McCarthy and all their staff at London Irish have been magnifi cent throughout and it is only fi tting that as Neil’s fi rst captain at London that John O’Driscoll is returning the play at Sunbury for the fi rst time since 1985 when he left for Manchester to take up a consultant’s post at a Manchester hospital.

Foreword

We cannot thank the players enough for committing their time and bodies to making this match possible. Great player’s reputations are on the line today and I am sure the London Irish vets will be looking to remind us all why we ‘retired’ many years ago! In the bar afterwards I am sure there will be plenty of

stories but really today is about having fun, reuniting many old friends and team mates from a bygone era and raising money for Neil.

Many thanks go out to all the sponsors, advertisers and supporters who have made

this day possible for Neil and his family. In a world where rugby is increasingly professional and manufactured it is heart warming to know that the ‘Corinthian’ spirit of rugby prevails and let’s hope that the pain of old joints creaking is eased with plenty of ‘anaesthetic’ late into the

night as we celebrate a fantastic achievement and pay tribute to Neil, his family and London Irish. Enjoy your afternoon, please give generously and please be sympathetic and rememberWe are on average 49 years old!

Simon Cooke

Simon Cooke as the originator of the two benefi ts has been gives his thoughts by way of an introductionIt is astonishing how committed rugby players are.

Neil Murphy, apart from being a great mate, Was a talented player

“ “The older I get the faster I was“ “


London Irish - a history

Beginnings

As the 19th century drew to a close there was a consensus of opinion on both sides of the Irish Sea that a sporting club for Irishmen in London was badly needed. Part of the inspiration for this was the example of the exiles from the other home countries, London Scottish had been formed in 1878 and London Welsh seven years later in 1895. These clubs offered their countrymen a home away from home in London, a place to meet and relax while employment or education or other reasons took them away from their home country.So it was in 1898 that a group of Irishmen came together to form their own club, the London Irish Rugby Football Club. The founding fathers were

an exceptional group of powerful personalities embracing politicians, lawyers and businessmen united by a sense of Irishness and passion for rugby. From the beginning London Irish was to provide a welcoming “home” and hospitable meeting place for all Irish people, regardless of creed or politics.Fortunately for the founding fathers their inspiration off the fi eld found equal inspiration on it through the arrival in London at the time of veterinary surgeon, Louis Magee, a leading Irish international. Magee represented Ireland 27 times between 1895 and 1904 at out-half. He was a vital recruit for London Irish and attracted others of his countrymen to the new club.By late September 1898 London Irish was ready

for action. The fi rst game was played on 1st October against Hammersmith (alas long departed) at Herne Hill Athletic Ground in south-east London. London Irish won by eight points to three!Louis Magee’s presence together with that of the club’s fi rst captain R S Dyas, was to have a major impact on progress. Such was their infl uence that regular fi xtures were soon arranged with most of London’s leading clubs of that era including Blackheath, Rosslyn Park, Saracens and Wasps.A decade later London Irish was fi rmly established. Of 28 matches played in the club’s tenth anniversary season there were 15 wins and 13 defeats. 1911 saw the club’s fi rst foray into Europe, to France for a game against Le Harve. Sadly, it would not be long before London Irish

members would be crossing the Channel for altogether different reasons that were to impact on the club. Great Wars and Their Impact

Irish rugby was to be affected badly not just by the two World Wars during the fi rst half of the last century but also by the Easter Rising of 1916 in Ireland. Many of the club’s members were among the soldiers of the Irish Regiments that lost their lives in the 1914-18 war.Like so many other clubs, London Irish drifted into the early 1920s. It was not until 1923 when the Irish Free State was established and peace returned that the club was able to welcome players from across the Irish Sea on a regular basis. For London Irish it was like starting all over again.By the late 1920s the club boasted its fi rst “home grown” Ireland international in a mighty forward, S J ‘Cags’ Cagney who won 13 caps in the green jersey between 1925 and 1929. This decade saw the inauguration of regular fi xtures against great clubs such as Leicester and Cardiff. Cagney was captain of the club in the 1928/29

season when it did the double over the other two London exiles clubs for the fi rst time.Another link with Leicester at this time was the created by Cecil Beamish, a son of the famous Cork-based brewing family, who played for the Midlands club before transferring to London Irish in the early 1930s. Cecil’s older brother George also joined London Irish in 1930. He was a big man not just in stature but also in personality. He was to become captain of Ireland in 1932 and was to go on to become a famous Battle of Britain pilot in the Second World War.Few matches were played during the war between 1940 and 1945. Many London Irish players found themselves in services’ teams in far distant places. Nine of the players that played for the club in the 1938/39 season lost their lives and others never returned to England. A Home of Its Own

London Irish’s itinerant existence impacted adversely in playing and social terms so the club’s offi cers decided that if their ambitions were ever to be

realised the club needed a home of its own.After looking at various options and locations 12 acres of land were eventually purchased at Avenue Road, Sunbury on Thames in south-west London. The transaction was completed on 16th June, 1931 for the princely sum of £1,280!There followed a busy fi ve months in agricultural terms! A pitch was prepared and the fi rst game was played on 5th December against London Welsh, the result was an honourable 8-8 draw.The club thrived at Sunbury for almost a decade until the grounds were requisitioned by the Ministry of Agriculture shortly after the outbreak of World War II to grow food for the population of the Capital.Such was the state of the grounds after the War that the Club had no choice but to abandon Sunbury temporarily and continue to play its fi rst team rugby at the Rectory Field in Blackheath. Lows and Highs

The immediate post war period was to prove diffi cult for the club as it struggled to put together a consistent fi rst team in the 1945/46


season.Things slowly improved as players returned, however as 1946 turned into 1947 Europe and the United Kingdom in particular suffered one of the most horrendous winters of the century. Grounds were frozen with the result that London Irish played only 20 games.The club’s fortunes were to change dramatically in the following season as key players joined including a new captain in Des O’Brien, one of the great back row forwards of his time. He went on to manage the 1966 Lions tour to New Zealand. The fi rst XV played thirty games losing only nine, winning 19 and drawing two to record the most successful season in the club’s history to date and a fi tting way in which to celebrate its 50th anniversary. A bonus for the club was that four players - Kevin O’Flanagan, Jim Corcoran, John Daly and Des O’Brien played for Ireland in that season’s Five Nations.It was also in this remarkable season that London Irish decided that given the undeveloped state of Sunbury, it would be in the club’s best interest to

combine with Blackheath and share the facilities at the Rectory Field in south-east London.As the 1950s dawned, the club was fi elding six teams most weeks making it a thriving hub of London rugby with a growing reputation for the fun to be had off the pitch as well as the commitment and organisation on it. It was also at this time that the club began a schoolboys’ section that was to be important in the years that followed. In 1951 London Irish became the fi rst club in Britain to host a touring Italian team when Roma came to town and played at Blackheath. Indeed the early 1950s saw a host of great rugby teams coming to Rectory Field to play either Blackheath or London Irish. The only problem from an Exiles’ perspective was that the club was split in two with the junior teams using the steadily improving facilities at Sunbury and the

senior team playing in the southeast of the capital.By the mid-fi fties the club had started to put together the nucleus of a squad that would one day provide the club with its fi nest season in its fi rst hundred years. Prominent among the players was a young scrum-half called Andrew Mulligan who played his fi rst season at Irish in 1952-53 when he was only 16! He was to go on to play for Cambridge, Ireland, the Lions and the Barbarians. Andy was one of three famous members to play for the Lions during the mid-fi fties - Robin Thompson captained the touring party to South Africa in 1955, the other was a certain A J O’Reilly of whom more later.It was also at this time that doubts began to surface about the fi rst team’s residence at Blackheath. By 1957 Bill Morgan, the club’s formidable administrator, in his end of season review reported that the

The decision was taken to return to Sunbury when the lease at Blackheath fi nished in 1959. A major fund-raising drive was launched to ensure some capital was raised as a down payment on the loans that would inevitably be needed to build the stand. The money was raised and Sunbury prepared for the return of the senior team. The fi nal game was played at Rectory Field on 11th April, 1959 - a “home” victory over Old Merchant Taylors.

Swinging Sixties and Seventies

The Sixties started at London Irish on 9th September, 1959 with a suitably “swinging” festive opening of the new facilities at Sunbury.A combined team representing the three Exiles clubs in London played a fi fteen selected by K H Chapman, a Harlequins member! That fi rst season back at base was to be a record-breaking one as London Irish did not lose a game. At the end of the season, however, the club agreed to play an abandoned game against Northampton, only to lose 10-5 and with it the

unblemished record at Sunbury.That success and others were celebrated in the immortal Fitz’s Bar, an old wooden shed that once stood at the end of the ground. It originally served as changing rooms and a tea room, however it became the place to drink when the new stand opened. The bar was ruled over by Fitzy himself who tried to keep a happy, respectable house despite the best efforts of many over the years to compromise the reputation of his unique hostelry.The rest of the decade was a period of mixed fortunes for London Irish. There were good wins but many defeats, an inconsistency that belied the many talented players such as Mike Gibson, Tony O’Reilly and Ollie Waldron, who graced the Sunbury pitch. Famous opponents such as Coventry began to make regular appearances on the fi xtures’ list.The improving quality of fi xtures demanded a change in attitude to training and playing as the sixties became the seventies. Under the leadership of the great hooker Ken Kennedy, with the assistance of

exceptional players like Mick Molloy and Barry Bresnihan, London Irish became a force to be reckoned with once more. In 1976-77 the Rugby Football Union introduced proper club merit tables and in that season London Irish fi nished fi rst in the London Division with six wins out of seven.Preseason tours became fashionable in the second half of the decade, Irish made visits to France and famously to South Africa in 1977 where the club became the fi rst touring side to play so many mixed race teams. 80s and Early 90s

1980 was an exceptional year for rugby in England. The national team won the Grand Slam and London Irish reached the fi nal of the John Player Cup at Twickenham and fi nished top of the RFU Club Merit Table for London.The Cup fi nal team was captained by another great forward and Ireland international, John O’Driscoll, who was disappointed to loose that match - the club’s fi rst ever appearance in the fi nal of a national competition - to an outstanding Leicester side.

committee have considered ways and means whereby our ground at Sunbury can be made into a fi rst-class playing condition with a stand.

“ “


In 1981 the club undertook its fi rst transatlantic tour to Canada, a very successful and enjoyable experience for all concerned. Reports on the pioneering visit to Nigeria the following year were less enthusiastic!In playing terms the eighties were another period of inconsistency. The fi rst team struggled to fi nd reliable form as work pressures made more demands on players’ time making them unavailable for regular training and matches. Happily, at the lower levels and socially London Irish continued to thrive. Among the most exciting developments was the advent of mini-rugby at Sunbury and the launch of a related tournament that continues to set the standard for similar events throughout these islands.The new pavilion at Sunbury, next to the main stand, was offi cially opened on 6th September, 1986. The building whose construction was facilitated by the generosity of Eddie Lawlor, an exceptional member and benefactor of the club, greatly enhanced the hospitality facilities at the club.1985-86 saw the introduction of the John

Smith’s Merit Tables in England and with them came a more disciplined approach to senior rugby. Michael Gibson, who ranks among the great Ireland No 8s took over the captaincy that season. Despite the arrival of other outstanding internationals like Hugo MacNeill, Brian McCall, Brian Spillane (an Australian), and Brendan Mullin, Irish failed to fi nd any form in the new leagues and languished in the lower reaches of division two as the decade drew to a close.In 1990-91 London Irish was promoted to the fi rst division with a side containing four new Ireland internationals: Simon Geoghegan, Jim Staples, David Curtis and Rob Saunders, the youngest ever captain of his country at 22 years of age.The harsh fi nancial realities of playing at the top end of the game in England gradually became clear to all the country’s senior clubs including London Irish in the early years of the decade. Operating losses mounted and but for the generosity of key benefactors at the time, the club would have struggled to survive.The fi nancial struggles were refl ected on the pitch where

London Irish failed to make any impact in the leagues despite employing the services of a number of high profi le coaches.The 1995-96 season was to prove to be one of the most eventful in the history of rugby union with the Rugby World Cup in South Africa providing an exciting and emotional curtain-raiser. The pronouncements by the sport’s ultimate ruling body, the International Rugby Board and the Rugby Football Union, on the crucial issue of “professionalism” at the start of the season, started a period of uncertainty about the future direction of club and international rugby.The RFU decided that the two national leagues that made up the Courage Clubs Championship should expand and become more competitive effectively committing the clubs involved to going professional with all that implied. Given its history and desire to compete at the top level of club rugby not just in England but also in Europe, it was no surprise that London Irish accepted the challenge posed by the new era.

Paddy Lennon

Andrew Miller Millar, who played at London Irish with Neil at London Irish and at Marlow Rugby Club, died suddenly following a game of indoor football with his son.

Described by many as a giant of a man but gentle and hard in play a true man of Ulster and IrelandFather-of-three Andy Millar, , died aged 53 on Wednesday October 21st 2010, in Southampton, where he worked for NATS, the air traffi c control company. Mr Millar, who had lived in Cookham for 20 years, was heavily involved in sport in Marlow and Cookham. Born and raised in Ballymena in Ireland, he became a member of the London Irish squad when he arrived in England in 1982.

He played for Cookham Dean Cricket Club, where he also coached youngsters, and was a committee member for many years. He turned out for a veterans rugby side Marlow Stragglers in recent years.

Cookham resident Chris Hughes-Rees, a friend who played alongside him, said: “Having played for Marlow Stragglers with him for many years I remember him being typically Irish, laid back, larger than life and always smiling.” He added:“It’s just an awful tragedy.”

Mr Millar is survived by two sons Ben, 21, Rory, 19, and daughter Clara, 16 and wife Helen.

The funeral will take place on Tuesday at Holy Trinity Church, Cookham.

1 9 5 7 - 2 0 1 0


competent, taking the ball into contact and tackling your own man. The really good centres were those who played with intelligence, setting the direction of the line with an ability to glide and drift into spaces that they helped to create. Neil was defi nitely in this class, an elegant runner with very good distribution skills and solid in defence. He was very good to play full back outside as he always kept the line straight, fi xing the opposition and not allowing them to drift off him onto you. This ability of his would be even more precious in the professional game as more defenders are strewn across the fi eld. An awareness of space and the ability to use that space with intelligence are key. Sadly there has been an overemphasis on power and collisions. There are many ‘competent’ centres -not many exceptional ones. Conrad Smith, Brian O’Driscoll and formerly Will Greenwood are the exceptions not the rule. That was the game Neil loved.

I got to know Neil well as he usually gave me a lift to training. I worked near Green Park and would take the tube to Earls Court, meeting him at the Exhibition centre

side before heading off to Sunbury. Neil always loved his Irish roots and was so proud to play for London Irish. He loved the music, the humour and banter and probably savoured the whole concept of the ‘Craic’ as much as anyone I knew. We had many great nights at Sunbury and back in town. He always had a great love of family and a huge appreciation for his friends.

It is therefore entirely appropriate that the ‘family’ of Rugby should align itself with him as he meets the new challenges that the great game of life throws at him. He was always a natural team player. It still remains one of the greatest aspects of the game of rugby football that it rallies to those in the ‘family’ when they are in need. Neil did that for others. Now others are doing that for him. Sometimes he gave the scoring pass. Other times he took it and scored the try. It is a tribute to him that there have been so many today who are happy to make that pass to him.

Hugo MacNeill

Have a great day. Its for a special cause.

Playing for London Irish was a fantastic experience for Irish players who came over from Ireland. It was immediately a home away from home with a completely distinctive atmosphere. I also soon realised how proud the ‘London Irish’ born in England of Irish roots were of their heritage. I learned how important the England game at Twickenham was to them in a way I never appreciated when living at home. I remember the scenes on the way from the dressing room to the bus in 1982 when Ginger McLoughlins try and Ollie Campbells kicking put us on the brink of a fi rst triple crown and championship for decades in 1982. I remember the look of speechless disbelief on the face of an Irish supporter on the Sunday night in a pub in Belgravia after we were hammered in the Chris Oti hat trick game of 1988. He stood open mouthed in front of me, his eyes asking for

some kind of explanation. Neil Francis spoke of a supporter bending down and kissing the ground in front of him coming out of their victory in 1994 when Simon Geoghegan blazed down the wing (Something that never happened to Franno before or since!). These things really mattered to those of London Irish stock.

Neil was and is stoutly of that stock. I met him fi rst in 1985 when I came down from Oxford to work and play rugby in London. He was a very talented player, comfortable in most positions across the backline but playing most of his career at centre. I have always thought that centre was the hardest position in the backline to play really well. That is due to the fact that you have so little space and are so dependent on the way that the people inside use you and present you with the ball. It is not diffi cult to be

Playing for London Irish was a fantastic experience for Irish players who came over from Ireland.


Neil Murphy & BRACEWhat can I say? Neil is possibly the most remarkable volunteer BRACE has had in the near quarter century of its history. He is surely the most determined and downright bloody-minded!

Neil contacted us last summer when he lost

his mother to Alzheimer’s. He was deeply upset, but also fi ercely determined to fi ght back against the disease that had taken his mum. And how better to do it than by raising money for research into diagnosis and treatment?

I understand that, after his illness, Neil had to battle simply to able to walkagain, and he is still restricted to walking with a stick and in pain.

Most people faced with that sort of challenge might have decided to help their chosen charity by stuffi ng envelopes or making phone calls.

Not Neil. He decided that he was going to ‘hobble’ (his word) the Bristol Half Marathon and then attempt a 10 kilometre race in Brighton. He managed four miles in Bristol and 8km in Brighton before being forced to stop because of the sheer pain.

He has already raised at least £2,300 for BRACE and that fi gure might be higher by the time you read this.

I want to thank Neil for a magnifi cent effort, not just in raising funds but also in being an inspiration to others.

Mark PoarchChief Executive of BRACE

BRACE is a registered charity (297965) which raises funds for research into the causes, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.


T h a n k Yo u !The past 3 years have not been my fi nest but as I have learnt to say it is what it is just get on with it.

For years I looked back at my time playing rugby with immense fondness and vivid memories happy days dining out on stories for over 20 years never once did I believe nor think I would be the recipient of 2 benefi t matches that so many great players would pull on the boots for me.

My immense thanks to Simon Cooke whose idea this and the last benefi t is to all of London Irish for hosting the event (I trust I am forgiven for leaving in a petulant fi t in 1987). I have always treasured my Irish roots (mum-who we sadly lost last year loved my time here, but always after I had sent someone backwards 3 yards in a tackle disapproved of me being too rough with the other boys, and frequency of spitting during a game)To have John O’Driscoll lead out the Irish today gives me

immense pleasure john was a man mountain to play with entering a maul one just prayed the hands nearest you were john’s. Des O’Hara our hooker in the u21’s has been an exceptional ink to the Irish inviting me to two past players lunches and at 50 pulls on his boots today and I know is looking forward to hitting john over the top at the back of a lineout.

To my many old school friends from Douai enjoy yourself and please don’t boast about the part I played in starting swing low sweet chariot at Twickenham which eventually led to England overturn a 16 point defi cit to beat Ireland 31-16 in 1981 in fairness I hadn’t joined the Irish then

There are many more I should thank but I will leave that to my speech. In the meantime please enjoy today a celebration of rugby friendship and my life being preserved

Neil Murphy

Dearest friends how I can begin to thank you all words fail me


EnglandLegends

Line-up

Nick Chesworth No. 10Bedford, Durham University, Cambridge University, Harlequins & London Scottish. England U16/19/Students/7’s, London Division

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Dec ‘6

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Another gifted ‘pretty boy’ of the 1980’s rugbygame. Desperate to make his fi rst ever tackletoday, (don’t hold your breath!) but expect theodd ‘jink’ or two in open spaces and very muchthe ‘impact’ player to watch this afternoon!

Mark Brown CentreBlackheath, Wasps and Eastern Counties

Born of Jamaican parents and grew up in London with a rugby career at Blackheath and Wasps RFC Played for Eastern Counties at Colts / U.21 Reached the heights of being part of the Famous 5 that got caught with their pants down while in a rugby 10’s tournament in Malaysia. Somehow when singing “Swing low Sweet Chariot” brings a smile to my face of that good old memory!!! not to the

amusement of the local judge who happened to be woman. Other members cannot be mentioned but the team manager for today’s game will be a nice reunion. Currently working for the United Nations World Food Programme based in Rome Italy. Travelled to most locations in the world like Sudan, Mozambique, Senegal, South Africa, Swaziland etc etc helping to fi ght hunger.

David Alberto Prop/HookerStrodes College, Staines and Old Actonians

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‘68

A successful business career and GB Kayakingsquad meant early rugby years were curtailed butDavid is making up for lost time and if it is wettoday David’s kayak skills will come into the fore!

Geraint Thomason No. 8Hungary, Esher, London Welsh, Guy’s Hospital

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‘60

A big strong No8 or 2nd row that is surely the onlyWelshman to be capped by Hungary! (Don’t ask!)Still playing today as he approached his fi ftiethyear and brings a real international fl avour to theback row!

Tim bell OpensideHarlequins, Reading and Surrey

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‘62

The ‘dark assassin’ who still fl ies around the pitchlooking for the big hits. Another player who defi esthe years and still plays regularly for Reading.Expect some dancing on the pitch and somesinging in the bar afterwards

Simon Cooke Centre/WingLondon Irish, Cambridge, Harlequins and Surrey

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1 N

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‘59

Debut for London Irish in 1979 as a stand off but Not recognised for any pace but for his strength in the tackle. Ended up playing most of his career at centre or wing. Played alongside Neil Murphy in early 1980’s at London Irish where he did most of Neil’s tackling for him! moved to Cambridge where

is won a blue in the centinerary game in the snow then to the Harlequins in 1984 partnering Andre Dent, Jamie Salmon and Will Carling beforeretiring bitter and twisted in 1990. Desperate toprove the selectors wrong this afternoon althoughrecognizes it is 26 years too late!

Peter Winterbottom England Legends ManagerHeadingly, Harlequins, England and British Lions

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‘60

The second player behind Rory Underwoodto reach 50 caps for his country having playedfrom 1982-1993 ending up with 64 caps. He also represented the British Lions v New Zealandplaying in all four tests in 1983 and again tenyears later was selected for the Lions tour to New

Zealand playing in all three tests. Widely regarded as the best and hardest open side fl anker of his generation and undisputedly the worst after dinner speaker!

Huw Davies Fly HalfCambridge, Coventry and England

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eb ‘59

21 England Caps between 1981-1986 in threedifferent positions, one of the most gifted playersof his generation and would have certainlywon ‘Dancing on Ice’ or ‘Strictly Come Dancing’if he had been born twenty years later.

Neil Edwards LockHarlequins, Northampton and Scotland

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ep ‘64

Six caps for Scotland between 1992-1994 scoring a magnifi cent try against France in 1992 and toured Australia with Scotland that year. Neilassures us he has lost a few pounds for today’sencounter although the ‘slim fi t’ shirt doesn’tsupport that contention, but as long as he can

lift his arms up we are expecting plenty of lineout ball this afternoon.

Rob Lozowski CentreWasps and England

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‘60

Just the one cap for England in 1984 againstAustralia, a player who should have been pickedmore on account of his ability and good looks, butEngland centres of the likes of Salmon, Carling,Guscott and Halliday meant ‘The Dog’ had to settle as a regular in the Wasps and Middlesex sides of

the 1980’s. A player who still oozes class and out to prove a point this afternoon!

David Trick Right WingBath and England

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‘60

Amassed a total of two caps for England following a ‘tricky’ start against Ireland at Lansdowne Roadin 1983 and played against South Africa in PortElizabeth in 1984. The fastest player to play rugbyunion over 100 metres. He assures us that hehasn’t lost more than a ‘yard or two’ over the

years! Today he admits he is more ‘Havana’ than‘Habana’! The only man I know who claims to havehad a cigarette whilst playing on the wing forEngland schools at a very foggy Twickenham!Neil is offering 5/1 that he is given a high ball to drop in the fi st 5 minutes of play


Chris Mills Front RowClifton, Chester, Liverpool, Richmond, Richmond Heavies, Middlesex and England Student

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Jun ‘5

6

Another strong man of the front row whoseswollen ears are testament to the dark arts of the scrimmage. Having shared a house with Simon Cooke in his youth there are witnesses to many other ‘dark arts’ off the fi eld as well. One of today’s great charity auctioneers whose skills will entertain

us in the 4 provinces bar after the match!

Richard Moon No. 9Cambridge University, Nottingham, Rosslyn Park, Moseley, Harlequins, Surrey, Barbarians,England U23 and England B

DO

B:

18 M

ay

‘52

Moonie (Perma tan!) is a talented scrum half whose brother Rupert played for Wales in the 1980’s!A member of the victorious Harlequins cup fi nalside in 1988 and Middlesex Sevens winning teamin 1988/1989 and a Sevens specialist representing

both Barbarians and Welsh Academicals at HongKong Sevens and on the edges of the Englandside throughout the late 1980’s. Richard will bevocally issuing proceedings from the base of thescrum this afternoon!

Paul Sidi HookerHarlequins, Surrey, England Students (Captain), England Squad 1983/1984, Wanderers Club and RSA Australia

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11 M

ay

‘60

Paul had a glittering career ahead of him as England Hooker until Brian Moore came along and got 64 caps! But even the ‘Pitbull’ would admit that Paul’s Achievement is far greater than his. A victim of a Motiveless violent attack in 1999 he spent

4 months in hospital unable to walk or talk. Paul has made a full recovery and has retrained as the senior physiotherapist at the regional rehabilitation unit in Aldershot and is now based at RAF Odiham Welcome back again Paul ‘Bastardo’ Sidi!

Alex Woodhouse UtilityHarlequins, Rosslyn Park, Surrey, England A, England Students, Barbarians,England U23, England B

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B: 02 F

eb ‘61

Possibly the biggest and strongest No9 to haveplayed the game and the Sevens specialist of hisday picking up numerous Middlesex winnersmedals and the coveted Melrose Sevens title in1988. Alex is most famous for throwing Will Carling

into the second row of the North Stand atTwickenham when Carling thought he could runPast him in the dead ball area to touch down behind posts in the 1989 fi nal. Alex has recently had a hip Replacement and is therefore unable to play today

Malcom Wall 2nd RowHarlequins and Surrey Student

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B: 24 J

ul ‘5

6

10 fi rst class seasons at Harlequins from 1979 -1990. Touring Australia & Far East in 1986 where he had the pleasure of sharing a room with Simon Cooke! A British Universities heavyweight boxer who had his last fi ght in 2008! He toured Argentina with Harlequins Gents in 2006 but he is more

famous for his ability at strip ‘round the table’ table tennis than partnering Andy Haden, Paul Ackford and Neil Edwards in the 2nd row!

Reg Clarke 6/7/HookerWest Hartlepool, Oxford University, Kobe Steel, Japan, London Irish, Richmond and the founder of Kew Occasionals in 1988

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B:

13

Mar

‘58

Another who played alongside Neil Murphy in theearly 1980’s. Reg now owns Rhino Rugby!But we are hoping for more than that on the pitchThis afternoon despite advancing years and lack ofMatch practice!

Tony Edgley 2nd RowRosslyn Park, Blackheath, Old Alleynians, The Manhatten Club, Hong Kong RFC, Old Readonians, Dorking RFC (Derelicts) and Kent

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03 O

ct

‘56

Some would say that if he had stayed in one placelong enough he might have had a less ‘chequered’ career in rugby but success in business took himaway to New York and Hong Kong just as he wasentering his prime! Today his over exuberance and

enthusiasm for the game just about compensatesfor his lack of talent but watch out Barnes as hehas only been sent off twice this season in fourappearances for Dorking!

Rob Glenister No. 9/UtilityBedford, Harlequins, London Division, England A and England 7’s

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14 D

ec ‘65

Played in the Harlequins winning cup fi nal side vNorthampton in 1991 and losing fi nalist in 1993against Leicester. The only man I know to havescored a hat-trick of tries against Gloucester atTwickenham in 1988, I promise he is better lookingin the fl esh, but another who has kept himself

sharp for today’s encounter and will be makingplenty of breaks from the base of the scrum!

Ian Marcus 15Old Westcliffi ans, Cambridge University, Nuneaton, Saracens, Gt Britain (Maccabiah), Warwickshire and Hertfordshire

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B: 18 J

an ‘59

More clubs than Tiger Woods but a strong running, non-tackling full back who is one of the best known networkers in the game and once‘frightened’ a young Martin Johnson whilst playingagainst Leicester Tigers. (Martin was a 13 year old

ball boy that day!) Captained Great Britain rugbyunion in the Maccabiah games in 1988 where GB were beaten by South Africa in the fi nal.

Harley Manson 6/7/HookerSumner RFC, Canterbury, NZ; Portland RFC, Oregon, USA and NZ Army

DO

B: 13 J

un ‘74

Our token Kiwi, and only just qualifi es at 34 yearsold, Harley is an open side fl anker who will ‘cover’for Winters when he wants a rest! A ‘have bootswill play’ attitude gets him into today’s side andwe expect him to be permanently offside at thebreakdown like all good Kiwi No 7’s!

Marc Middleton Kent U.16’s, Manchester University, Old Askeans and Blackheath

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B: 1

8 J

ul ‘6

1

A glittering career in the world of corporatefi nance dragged Marc away from rugby football ata tender age. Under pressure today as understudyto Tricky and Smithy but more so as he will beunder the watchful eye of his son James whohas just made the England U15 group squad!


IrelandLegends

Line-upJohn O’Driscoll London Irish, Manchester, Connaught, Ireland and British Lions

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B:

26 N

ov

‘53

26 Ireland caps 1970-84. 6 lions test caps 1978-84. Educated at Stonyhurst College john was Neil’sFirst captain often described as a man mountain pat parfrey and Walter Jones both have been quoted that john was the best played they ever played with.

Michael Gibson “Gibbo’’ Lansdowne, London Irish, Leinster, Barbarians ands Ireland

26 Ireland caps 1970-84. 6 lions test caps 1978-84. Educated at Stonyhurst College john was Neil’sFirst captain often described as a man mountain pat parfrey and Walter Jones both have been quoted that john was the best played they ever played with.

Rob Henderson Young Munster, London Irish, Ireland and British lions

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B: 2

7 O

ct

‘72

his fi nest moments were to come in the red shirt of the British and Irish Lions in the 2001 tour of Australia, particularly in the monumental 1st Test victory in Brisbane. Since then, knee and bicep injuries have cruelly restricted his opportunities for both Munster and Ireland, but the Castleconnell

villager is in no doubt that his relocation to Ireland from England will enable him to produce the fi nest rugby of his career, putting pressure on Kevin Maggs for the No12 jersey in World Cup 2003.

Ciarán Gannon London Irish Wild Geese (Honours Tie 2000/01), Wanderers Captain (2003/04), B’s Captain (2005/06)

A bit of a journeyman ! Started playing when tries were 3 points, started leaping when they got to 4 and in need of a lift when they got to 5! Gentle hands for a lock, with a deceptive turn of speed - pops up at the right moment - and can sing for his

supper. Skilled in matters agricultural, and has some understanding as to why the grass is green, but not always!

Scotty’ Robinson London Irish B’s, Wanderers XV and Leading try scorer 1938-9

85 Caps for the B’s across a ‘stella’ (heineken) career spanning 5 years. Following a failed career as a clothes fashion designer Scotty found rugby late in life. One of the ‘gentle’ giants of the game who epitomizes the B’s mantra of ‘playing within the rules’. The aristocrat of the squad he often

takes the lead in rousing the players pre-match with his soft and eloquent dialect. Favourite song - Housemartins and ‘Caravan of Love’.

Simon Browne

One half of the LI B’s cosy club. Returned to playing in season 2007-8 after 12 years dormancy after being hood winked by the the then team captain. An inspirational player whose contribution to the team often goes unsighted.

On the occasions when it is sighted he is usually spoken to by the referee and awarded a yellow card.

Julian Hayes London Irish B’s and Wanderers, Northern FC (1st XV), Percy Park (1st XV), Stourbridge (1st XV) and Old Actonians (1st XV)

The lawyer in the team (there has to be one to sort out the disciplinary and court hearings after the game) providing appropriate or inappropriate advice from the touchline. Has enjoyed a long and chequered playing career, which can be summed up as being

distinguished not by his own playing talents but by those of the players he has appeared alongside and against. He saves his eloquence for the court room and exercises his right to silence in the changing room (although he will speak for a small fee).

Paul Bridge

A donkey botherer from Blackpool, Paul was educated at the same school as those other London Irish stalwarts Sean and Jevon O’Neill. In a long and un-illustrious career he played for Lampeter University, Fylde, Clifton and Streatham-

Croydon, before being enticed in 1990 to play for the Wanderers on the fl imsy justifi cation that his father once owned an Irish Wolfhound and his Auntie and Uncle Cedents came from Dublin.

Leon Orr London Irish RFC & ARFC (Wild Geese & Wanderers)

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B: 28 D

ec ‘61

Leon started his senior career for Instonians Rugby Club, then playing in the All Ireland League. He joined London Irish in 1994 playing for the club for the next 12 seasons. Highlights include winning the merit table and rising through the leagues with the Geese as part of the newly formed London

Irish ARFC... And an infamous tour to the United States will forever live in memory!

Vincent Gillespie

Invited to join the Bs mid to late 1980s and managed to stay, despite Alex Newberry trying to give me a free transfer to higher teams early in my career. Highlights; playing in South Africa for Hamilton RFC, the oldest club in South Africa, the

fi rst time in their history they played in the Nyanga Town Ship. Playing for The Cayman Islands (they were short). Captaining the B Team and John ‘Bootsie’ Walsh bringing a restaurant in Paris to a halt singing ‘Summer Time’.

Conor O’Neill London Irish B’s

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B: 2

8 D

ec ‘6

1

Know for his speed and quick sidestep Conor has been an integral part of the B’s squad for 8 years.Having retired form Rugby in the 80’s after sustaining a back injury, his determination to get out of the bar on a Saturday afternoon saw his welcome return to top class Rugby in the new

millennium. This heroic effort was only achieved through the constant attention of the three female physio’s at LIRFC who have rebuilt and massaged him back an extraordinary level of fi tness. Favourite Film: Catch Me If You Can. Favourite Book: The Long Goodbye.


John Rosewell London irish Wild Geese, Wanderers, Bohemians, B’s 1999 - present

London Irish Rugby fl ows through John’s blood from numerous senior team tours and appearances to mid game explanations of the ‘London Irish Backrow Breakdown Methodology’ for the benefi t of referees from all over Surrey. John fi nds explaining icebath

techniques to team mates a bit more cumbersome.

Andrew ‘Pav’ Pavitt London Irish B’s

Graduated in 2009 from the famed Thursday night P.I.N.T (Programme for Irish New Talents) academy to become a full London Irish B’s squad member. Second only to Vincent Gillespie as youngest active squad player, his lightning breaks around the scrum and fringes and smooth delivery have

been likened to the great Brian Harris in his pomp

John “Boo Boo” Scannell London Irish B’s, Wanderers XV, Extra A’s, Nomads and A2s, Athy 1st X

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B:

27 S

ep ‘60

Total No of Tries scored in rugby career 1972 - 2011 = 2Favourite Player: Brain O’DriscolFavourite Team: MunsterMost memorable rugby moments: Training with Gary Halpin, Simon Geogehan, & Jim Staples prior

to professional rugby. Ambition: Score another try by the end of 2012 Favourite Band: Dixie Chick Favourite Singer: Bootsy Walsh

Vincent ‘Frenchy’ Reulet London Irish B’s, Bohemians, Wanderers and Geese

Vincent just gained his rights to play for the B’s to complete a “grand chlem” for the London Irish senior amateur teams. Vincent found rugby late in life after, it all started in... Scotland (who would have thought). Tthe B’s are now delighted to get a bit of a French touch, a second row jumper below

the 18 stones (for how long) to be lifted in the lineouts and, without forgetting, a bit of “je ne sais quoi” in the rucks.

Desmond “Deso” O’Hara London irish u 21 wild geese and 1st xv 1980

Deso a team mate of neil’s way back in the u21s and on the 1981 tour of Canada. A fearsome enthusiastic and energetic 7’s player a terrier of a hooker drill perfect throw in to match his lightning strike deso has made sure neil attended the last 2 year past players lunches at Sunbury of Irish

publican stock the chequers in Twickenham was famous for locking in the u21s in full song Des now has a successful architects practice in Isleworth specialising in domestic extensions and planning applications at exceptional value once famous for having to be held up by Neil at Lansdowne Road.

DEAN GUIDERA Armagh, Royal Ulster Constabulary, Metropolitan Police,Hamiltons (South Africa), Newbury and London Irish.

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B: 0

7 F

eb ‘7

0

International Honours:England Over 35s Captain 2007 World CupEngland Legends 7s.


And the lucky winner is?Below are some of the amazing prizes going under the hammer at

today’s auction. All proceeds go to today’s cause.

H House of Commons whiskey Roger Gale MP

H A hair cut Tim O’Sullivan

H Sack and crack wax Tim O’Sullivan

H Bottle of Merlot wine Jackie Drake

Bidding Time!Below are some of the amazing prizes

going under the hammer at today’s auction.

All proceeds go to today’s cause.

H 4 night stay, 2 people at the Table Bay Cape Town with BA club class return fl ights

H 3 x Chelsea tickets

H 2010/11 signed England cricket shirt ashes winning side

H 2 x London Irish tickets

H 1 day, 4 persons sailing on Durfour 5251 52ft luxury yacht from eastborne marina stephen macleod photo

H 2 x tickets for Lords

H 1 signed Neil Murphy London Irish shirt

H 1 signed Neil Murphy Surrey shirt

H 1 signed Neil Murphy junior Barbarian shirt

H 1 signed Chelsea shirt

H 3 x Neil Murphy rugby benefi t t shirts signed by all the players

H For four persons for one hundred birds each. A clay shooting session at Northall Clay Pigeon Club (www.northallcpc.co.uk )


Early History

Until the 17th Century the state made no specifi c provision for old and injured soldiers. Care for the poor and sick was provided by the religious foundations. Much of this provision ended following the dissolution of the monasteries in 1536.During the reign of Queen Elizabeth I it became recognised that provision needed to be made for the poor and for sick and disabled soldiers. This led to an Act of Parliament, passed in 1593, that levied a weekly tax (not exceeding 6d in the pound) on pa THE ROYAL HOSPITAL CHELSEA – MISSION STATEMENTTo provide a fi tting home and community for ageing or infi rm veteran soldiers to whom the nation owes a debt of gratitude.

Vision statement - 2005

The Royal Hospital in 2025 will have cemented still further its reputation as a unique, respected and much

loved national institution. It will be continuing to provide a fi tting home, in modernised accommodation, for some 300 elderly or infi rm Chelsea Pensioners, all of whom will have served as soldiers in the British Army. It will be a dynamic community, the residents of which will be enabled by a committed staff to live lives that are as active, independent, stress free and fulfi lled as possible given their age and condition, within a military- based culture which puts a premium on comradeship.

The Royal Hospital will be recognised and valued by the Nation, the Government and the Army for the quality of care it provides and for what it represents: a visible symbol of the covenant that must exist between the Nation and those prepared to make the ultimate sacrifi ce in its service. It will also be valued as a signifi cant and integrated part of the social and cultural fabric of London and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, contributing to both and

playing a role, in conjunction with the National Army Museum, in educating the public about the contribution the Army has made to British history. Its historic buildings and grounds will be well preserved and open to the public to the maximum extent possible commensurate with maintaining an appropriate level of privacy.

The Royal Hospital will continue to receive a Grant-in-Aid from the Government to cover running costs, and will have introduced a charging regime in place of the requirement for pension surrender. It will generate additional income to fund a continuing development programme, and will have made considerable progress

towards the establishment of an endowment suffi cient to protect itself against any future shortfall in funding, thereby enabling its long-term survival on its historic site. The Royal Hospital will be recognised within the care sector and beyond as a centre of excellence, providing the highest possible standard of accommodation and care home facilities. It will be open to all ageing veterans, male and female, who have served as soldiers in the British Army. In addition it will support the wider ex-service community by providing respite care facilities for those in need, regardless of service or rank, and will have reinforced its links and relevance to the modern

Army by providing support to military units in London District.

The management of the Royal Hospital will be taut, professional, alert to change and outward looking. It will employ up-to-date working practices to deliver a service that is recognised as providing value for money. It will be commercially astute, making the most of the opportunities for income generation but doing so in a way that does not intrude in an unwelcome manner on the life of the In-Pensioners. Key staff will live on site to be available for duties and to contribute to the wider life of the community.


We are delighted to be joined today by three children and their families who are starlight stars two of the children Ben Pocklington and Billy Warren are huge rugby lovers

Starlight is a national charity that grants wishes of a lifetime to seriously and terminally ill children and entertains over 500,000 children with fun and laughter in every hospital and hospice throughout the UK . All Starlight’s activities are aimed at distracting children from the pain, fear and isolation they can often feel as a result of their illness and we hope to strengthen family bonds at what is often a diffi cult time. Starlight wishes are limited only by a child’s imagination – from swimming with dolphins to going in a helicopter, from meeting a favourite sports team to being a police offi cer. The children with us today are:

Heart disease, epilepsy and neurofi bromatosis. Harrison underwent life saving heart surgery both at birth and in 2009. Harrison‘s Starlight wish is to meet his idol, footballer, Michael Owen.

diagnosed with Fabrys disease in January 2010. Billy suffers from excruciating pain in his hands and feet which has caused him to use a wheelchair a few

times. Despite Billy’s condition, he is a Rugby lunatic and tries his best to play whenever possible. Billy told Starlight that he lives for Rugby !

November last year, Ben went through a terrible time being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After being diagnosed, treatment was rough for Ben and it made him very sick and depressed at times. Due to him having a Hickman line, Ben could not continue with his passion of playing Rugby . It broke Ben’s heart to watch his Rugby team play without him. Ben is currently doing very well and is back at rugby training with his team. Ben’s Starlight wish is to watch England play in the 2011 Rugby World Cup in NZ.

You can contribute to starlight atwww.starlight.org.uk/donate-to-starlight/

All designs submitted are purely for visual purpose only and are not a true representation of scale and colour.

Any images supplied must be owned by the customer.

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Piper Smith Watton are proud supporters of the Neil Murphy Legends Rugby Benefi t and wish success and a

great day to everyone involved.

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