VIDEO: Club rugby legend honoured

THE clubhouse and grandstand at Mick Kelly Park, home of the Zululand Rhinos, will henceforth be known as the ‘Chris Edwards Pavilion’.

A special plaque to this effect was presented to Edwards at an appreciation evening hosted at the Empangeni Rugby Football Club on Wednesday, honouring the man whose playing and administrative contributions to the game have earned him legendary status at local and provincial level.

This honour adds to the numerous accolades previously bestowed on Edwards, a Life Member and former President of the KZN Rugby Union.

Referred to by ERFC Chairman Simon Harvey as ‘a credit to the game and to the human race’, he has served on every committee of the club between his arrival at Empangeni in 1957, until the present day.

‘While Chris has been honoured at the highest echelons, we felt the need to reward his incredible efforts in making our club what it is today,’ said Harvey.

‘This includes serving as ERFC President from 1981 to 1992, following an auspicious playing career as a number eight.

‘Not only was Chris instrumental in the physical construction of the club buildings and playing fields, and in sourcing the vast sponsorships needed to run the club, he has mentored and guided players and fellow administrators like myself.

‘Beyond that, he is devoted to us keeping alive the history, traditions and ethos of the club.

‘He still attends every practice and match, and takes an active part in the day-to-day running of the club.’

ERFC President Dagwood van Vuuren, who has served with Chris on committees for 32 years, said: ‘Never has one man done so much for so many in the game of rugby.

‘Our club will now boast the names of two of the greatest contributors to the history of rugby in Zululand, with the names of Mick Kelly and Chris Edwards indelibly honoured at our sporting complex.’

Rugby club family

The function also featured tributes from fellow player and administrator Kelvin McIlrath, whose ‘war stories’ of a younger and more mischievous Edwards drew many laughs, and representative of the KZN Rugby Union CEO, Pete Smith.

‘It is personality that makes one a true legend, and this is what enables Chris Edwards to be someone you want to be around, as well as one able to persuade others – including selectors,’ said Smith.

The role of Edwards’ late wife Erica in generously ‘putting up’ with his passion for rugby was confirmed by their daughters Rozy Henderson, Margot Edwards and Janice Townshend, who graced the function with their presence.

‘The rugby club was not his second home – it was his first, and we basically grew up at the clubhouse,’ they agreed.

‘It was understood, without objection, that rugby came first. Even our weddings were conducted pre- or post-season so as not to interfere with match day!

‘We had a wonderful dad and a happy family life, with rugby at the centre.’