Congratulations to teacher and old boy Brian 'Baz' Dunne (1971-1975) whose outstanding dedication and service to rugby at St Bede's was recently recognised with a special award.

An end of season rugby event brought together a diverse group of individuals, including parents, sponsors, St Bede's staff, coaches, managers, and volunteers. It was a fitting occasion to celebrate the 2023 season and also to honour Brian Dunne, who has made a remarkable contribution to the sport during his 40 years as staff and five years as a student at St Bede’s.

In 2022, the St Bede’s Rugby Club introduced the ‘white tassel’, which is awarded to volunteers for distinguished service to rugby in our school community.

Mr Dunne's five decades of commitment to St Bede's College, its rugby teams, players, coaches, and parents is an incredible testament to his passion and belief in the values that the sport instills. His journey has left an indelible mark on our school and rugby community.

Deputy principal Gerry Davidson spoke at the event about Brian’s unwavering dedication and belief in the spirit of rugby and St Bede's College, a full transcript of this speech is included below.

We would like to extend the Old Boys’ Association’s warmest congratulations to Brian and express our gratitude for his invaluable service.

While to most of the younger teachers at school he has been a fixture at his desk in front of the teacher pigeonholes or across the way in the maths workspace for many others he ran rugby and cricket and a multitude of sports out of an office at the end of Brodie as the sports master – no computer or digital phone just a room full pieces of paper covered in lists of names, rugby balls, cricket bats, drink bottles with the odd maths textbook propping up his desk.

He has coached from U14 to 1st XV with success and with the same even-handed and calm approach that he applies to everything that he does. Although he had very good success coaching a number of 1st XVs in the 90s with Liam Hegarty – he finished that in 1995 – and shortly after that he managed Canterbury Schools' teams, Canterbury U18 and South Island Schools', but the most important fact is that despite it being 2023, Brian is still coaching – this is a testament to his love of the game and his belief in contributing to all aspects of school life. His successful years as a U14 and 2nd XV coach, and latterly with the almost unbeatable 3rd XV, are there for all to see.

This award is not just about longevity of service, nor is it for championships won and lost, famous players developed and encouraged but for his contribution to all players, all things Bedean. To him the 4th XV is as important as the 1st XV – he understands the players in both because he has been part of both. He is a life member of the front row fraternity and although he would never admit it, he has an affinity for props and hookers and a real soft spot for all those hundreds he has coached.

Brian can tell a lot of stories about players, coaches, teachers, parents and referees both on our side and the opposition. He can remember games and great victories and even greater defeats but through all these years if you are a Bedean at heart and proud of being one, he will support you, encourage you, be there for you but equally he will always have respect for his opposition and never loses sight that it is just a game and that is perhaps his greatest gift.

We are honoured to be able to recognise Mr Dunne’s significant contribution. Once again, thank you Mr Dunne for your years of service and dedication to the great game of rugby.