ZIMBABWE RUGBY UNION- EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENT
…………………….
OBITUARY
REGINALD JOSEPH NIELD 1939-2015
Zimbabwe Rugby Mourns the loss of
a mentor, friend and true Gentleman of the Game.
The Funeral Service for
Reginald (Reg) Joseph Nield, will be held at Prince Edward School on Friday 6
March at 10.00 am followed by a Burial Service at Greendale Cemetery and Tea at
Prince Edward.
After playing rugby on the
Copper-Belt in Zambia and later for Manicaland with greats like Tinnie Martin,
Reg moved to Old Hararians where he made a name for himself, playing for them
during their heyday along other greats such as Des Christian, Brian Murphy and
a young Ian Robertson. ‘Old Boys’ became a formidable team beating some of the
top Clubs in South Africa such as Cape Town University, Shimlas for the Free
State and Stellenbosch University.
He represented, and also
captained, the National Team over a period spanning some ten years.
During the days when Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia) competed in the South African
Currie Cup it was known as the toughest provincial competition in the
world. The team made a name for themselves playing fast running rugby
against bigger and heavier opponents; on numerous occasions causing upsets in
the competition, coached and masterminded by Ian Mackintosh.
Reg was a regular member of the
team and was known for his competitiveness and one hundred percent commitment
to both his Club and Country. He went on to coach Old Hararians for many
years. He coached the First and Second Team Edwardians – who at that time
because of their strength competed with the First Team in the National Super
League. Later on, Reg helped coach Country District sides Marondera and
Norton and later Provincial Country Districts. He assisted with the
University Team for a couple of years where he turned them into a competitive
Second Division outfit.
Around this time he became
heavily involved in Humanitarian work all around the Country and dedicated a
great amount of energy to alleviating suffering and bringing relief to hundreds
and thousands of Zimbabweans. He accomplished this by facilitating AIDS/HIV
intervention Programmes into many High Schools, the Army and other
institutions. He also helped to rehabilitate medial facilities around the
country and facilitated collaboration between foreign and local doctors who
helped thousands of people free of charge. He belonged to the Church of
Jesus Christ of the Latter-Day Saints; was a respecter of all persons and loved
everyone.
Despite his huge commitment to
these charitable programs which kept him extremely busy, his love for the game
of rugby could not keep him away from the playing fields and he continued to
coach school boy rugby, being involved with various teams such as Prince Edward
1st XV, Peterhouse and Eaglesvale (then known at Bothashoff).
He was often seen on the playing fields at junior schools throughout Harare,
freely giving of his time and knowledge.
Almost all players that he
coached will tell you the same story; that he was a great motivator and
inspired camaraderie in the teams he was involved with; and in many cases,
especially in the school teams became a mentor and fatherly figure to many of
them.
His contribution to Rugby over
the years was well known and given freely. The players knew him for his
physical tackling practices. He firmly believed that if you were
committed and courageous enough to tackle properly, you could do anything!
His beloved family have lost a
Patriarch, but Zimbabwe has lost a sporting hero. Reg set an example to
all and truly lived the Values of Rugby.
He will be greatly missed by the
rugby fraternity of Zimbabwe.
It’s
high time for a new newsletter and announces the 2015 dates for all events
planned.
Get
your diaries out and reserve the dates for some fun events.
Hope
you enjoy our stories on our Ngomo Kurira day, the mudrun and our Rumble in the
Jungle.
We
also had a good AGM in February. Tim Thorburn has resigned from the committee.
Many, many thanks Tim for everything you did for us! Boet Erasmus has been
appointed to the committee and has already taken his place in the Jamboree
committee as well. Welcome Boet! Some fresh blood and hopefully some fresh new
ideas.
Thanks
to Jason Young and Mike Gill for their contributions. Enjoy the reading.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment