Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

When the All Blacks' head coach played club rugby in Northern Ireland

Written by 
Published in Rugby
Monday, 04 November 2024 01:17

When flying back home after his spell with Ards, Robertson had written to his mother in New Zealand to say when he returned to Ireland it would be as an All Black.

If that seemed fanciful at the time, the back rower was true to his word, debuting for his country in 1998 and, three years later, lining up against Ireland in a Test match that marked the debut of Richie McCaw. During that trip, he made time for a visit to the Heron home and has stayed in contact since.

Whether it be making out a rehab schedule for the family's son Steven after a knee injury playing rugby or, years later, regularly checking in with their late daughter Gillian during her treatment for cancer, Heron believes Robertson has long displayed the "special attributes" that have allowed him to ascend to one of the most coveted jobs in the sport.

From his playing days, through Super Rugby successes when coaching the Crusaders and now leading the man in charge of the All Blacks, the family and those at Ards RFC have watched his rise in the game with pride from the other side of the world.

"It's been great for us all to say we played on the same pitch as Razor Robertson," adds Workman.

"To see him coaching is fantastic. We're very proud to have that association. We've a history at the club of international back-row players with Nigel Carr and Phillip Matthews and to say that he played for Ards has been a fantastic honour.

"We've all watched his career with interest and been very proud that Ards was a bit of an education for him."

Some have managed to secure tickets for Friday's big game and are hoping to meet up with Robertson afterwards, although Heron notes they will face an unusual dilemma during the preceding 80 minutes.

"The only problem in the family's position is who do we support? Ireland or Scotty?"

Read 22 times

Soccer

Costa Rican club threatens FIFA suit for CWC spot

Costa Rican club threatens FIFA suit for CWC spot

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe winningest team in Costa Rica is asking FIFA for a spot in next...

Ex-Man United star Mata buys stake in San Diego

Ex-Man United star Mata buys stake in San Diego

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsFormer Spain international and World Cup winner Juan Mata has joine...

New owners seek Klopp's aid to transform Paris FC

New owners seek Klopp's aid to transform Paris FC

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Arnault family, owners of the LVMH luxury empire, plan to draw...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Knicks-Spurs to have Disney alt-cast on Dec. 25

Knicks-Spurs to have Disney alt-cast on Dec. 25

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsBRISTOL, Conn. -- Mickey Mouse and many of Disney's iconic characte...

Hartenstein set to make season debut for OKC

Hartenstein set to make season debut for OKC

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsThe Oklahoma City Thunder's stint without a center will end Wednesd...

Baseball

Sources: New bill seeks to protect minor leaguers

Sources: New bill seeks to protect minor leaguers

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSen. Dick Durbin plans to introduce the Fair Ball Act, a bill that...

Manfred expecting Sasaki to sign after Jan. 15

Manfred expecting Sasaki to sign after Jan. 15

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNEW YORK -- With uncertainty looming over when Japanese baseball st...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated