President's Musings: A Message That Reminds Us What We Have
From the pen of Marist St Pats President, John Spillane...
As the season pushes on and the grind of winter rugby settles in, it’s easy to get tied up in the day to day stuff and forget how special our Club is.
The trainings, the travel, the weather and the sore bodies - these can sometimes dominate our thoughts, and we can forget about the incredible culture we’re privileged to be part of. But every now and then, we are reminded - in this case through the eyes of a young player from England - who dropped in to our Club for a short time - just how fortunate we are.
This month, thanks to a referral from Mike (Loopy) O’Leary, we’ve had the pleasure of hosting two visiting players, Tom Quinlan and Jack Hussey. Both arrived with great rugby pedigrees from Newcastle University RUFC - Tom, a first-five with experience in the Bristol Bears Academy and Clifton Rugby - and Jack, a gritty hooker with talent and tenacity with experience in the Saracens Academy and Manly Marlins.
We were delighted to have these lads join the Club and contribute with some good rugby but what we didn’t expect was the impact our Club environment would have on them in just a few short weeks.
Tom, in particular it seems and as he departed, he sent through this heartfelt message - a tribute not only to the Club, but to the late Steve Hinds, much-respected World Rugby Citing Commissioner and a beloved MSP stalwart and part of Tom’s connection to New Zealand.
His words are a reminder of what MSP means to those who walk through our gates, even for a short time.
A Final Word from Tom Quinlan
“So, my brothers, this is goodbye. I know you didn’t think I’d leave you without having one last say, so here are some final words…
Late last year, Steve [Hinds] lost his battle with illness and sadly passed away. I had last seen him in Paris in 2023 and we reminisced on stories from 2011 and the great times I had in New Zealand with him.
Steve’s passing reminded me that life is fragile and fleeting and this was the sign to return to the place he had helped me fall in love with 14 years earlier. It would be an honour for me to wear that red jersey he had once worn all these years later. And so, it was.”
Tom’s connection to Steve and his journey back to New Zealand to don the red jersey - worn proudly by Steve in more than 100 Premier matches for MSP - is a story that hits home for all of us. It shows the legacy this Club has, and the pride that comes with representing it.
“I arrived at Evans Bay with what I thought was a strong connection to the club, but I had no idea what would forge over the weeks that followed… What you have here is special and although we felt it briefly, it touched us (not like Scruff in a nightclub, metaphorically).”
I love that Tom reminds us that rugby isn’t just about the wins or the game - it’s about the bonds we form. About showing up for each other. And most of all, about finding belonging no matter where you come from.
“Playing with you has reminded me that I love this game - I can’t tell you how grateful I am for that feeling.”
We thank Tom and Jack for their time with us. Their passion, energy, and camaraderie have left a mark - and their words remind us not to take what we have for granted.
And Finally - Get to Tawa – We Need You!
Let’s honour Tom, Jack, Steve and Loopy in the best way we can - by showing up.
Our Premier Men’s team heads to Tawa this weekend in another must-win match, and they need every voice behind them.
Bring your friends and the family along to Lyndhurst Park, wear your red, and let’s be loud.
MSP Supporters
Shamrock Club
