About The Blues
By Jeff O'Sullivan
The Blues are a Wellington, New Zealand, based rugby team playing in the 80/80 grade.
80/80 is an eighty-kilogram weight restricted rugby grade. "80 kilograms for 80 minutes."
In February 1997 a group of highly motivated rugby enthusiasts approached Marist St Pats Rugby Club in order to establish the first 80/80 team at the club. With much scepticism the club offered The Blues a place among the rugby playing elite.
The rest is history.
The Blues play competitive rugby but with a social focus. Good times with good mate; that’s our core focus.
For three years now The Blues have been at the leading innovators of what has been coined "rugby antics", including: publication of a quarterly magazine "The Red Hawaiian", Deck Chair Saturdays, on field Devonshire Teas, scrum Fish n Chips, post game pot roast sandwiches, law suit inducing annual team trips, red Hawaiian shirts, porno 70’s shirts, live DJ’s and music during games, sideline champagne and shots, the list goes on…
Fitness is not a priority. Rugby skills and ability are not pre-requisite. A tertiary qualification (preferably commerce or law) is desirable, but not necessary. Idiots, ignoramuses, and non-drinkers will not be tolerated. Those wishing to apply for The Blues should submit their CV by email to
gothemightyblues@newzealandrugby.com attention "The Manager".This web site is yet another innovation that is part of our master plan to rule the world.
1997 "The Originals"
Dan Aird, James Bourke, Myles Brennan, David Cowan, John Cowan, Richard Fairbrother, Matt Grigg, Ants Heffernan, Peter Herlihy, Brad Isaac, Trent Isaac, David Johnston, Paul Johnston, John Kilkenny, Mitch Knight, Amit Malik, Astley Milne, Dan Murphy, Rene Newman, Steve Osbourne, Chris O’Reilly, Nick O’Reilly, Greg Palmer, Richard Renouf, Magnus Steel, David von Dadelszen, China Yu
Captain: John Kilkenny
Manager: Jeff O’Sullivan
Coach: Merv Elsmore
1998
James Bourke, Myles Brennan, Benedict Burgess, David Cowan, John Cowan, Richard Fairbrother, Andrew Gibbons, Ants Heffernan, Kirk Hope, Peter Herlihy, Trent Isaac, David Johnston, Paul Johnston, John Kilkenny, Richard Lloyd-Jones, Amit Malik, Jeremy Mason, Astley Milne, Dan Murphy, Nick O’Reilly, Richard Renouf, Magnus Steel, David von Dadelszen, China Yu
Captain: John Kilkenny
Manager: Jeff O’Sullivan.
Coach: Richard Kilkenny (Dick).
1999
James Bourke, Benedict Burgess, John Cowan (part season), Andrew Gibbons (part season), JD Hall, Marek Hall, Ants Heffernan, Peter Herlihy, Stu Hunter, Trent Isaac, David Johnston, Paul Johnston, Matt Kilkenny, Mitch Knight, Amit Malik, Astley Milne (part season), Rodney Morris, Graham Mowbray, Paul O’Hagan, Nick O’Reilly, Greg Palmer, Richard Renouf, Ben Rickard, Magnus Steel, David von Dadelszen, Nick von Dadelszen,China Yu (part season)
International Imports: Tyee Harpster, San Francisco.
Ian Boyd, Edinburgh, Scotland.
Captain: Peter Herlihy
Manager: Jeff O’Sullivan
Assistant: Russell O’Flaherty
Coach: Steve "Works Burger" Cavanagh
2000
Tim Blackstock, James Bourke, Dan Boyle, Benedict Burgess, James Devenny (part season), Ants Heffernan, Peter Herlihy, Kirk Hope, Trent Isaac, Paul Johnston, Matt Kilkenny, Amit Malik, Nick O’Reilly, Greg Palmer, Adam Philips, Richard Renouf, Ben Rickard, Garth Solly, Magnus Steel, Jamie Tout, David von Dadelszen, Hamish Wadsworth
International Imports: James Ludlow, England
Captain: Peter Herlihy
Manager: Jeff O’Sullivan
Coach: Bob Burgess
2001