Nude Blacks captain David Bourke (45) relaxes yesterday
before today's big game. Photo by Jane Dawber.
Just like his more famous All Black counterparts, the
captain of Dunedin's Nude Blacks gets recognised overseas -
even without his official strip.
David Bourke (45) was captain of the naked rugby team when it
made its debut on a chilly St Kilda Beach in 2002.
A decade on, the Dunedin cycle courier is still the captain
of a team which has had experienced just one loss.
The team now plays an unofficial curtain-raiser on the day of
most test matches in Dunedin.
Today, the Nude Blacks play the "Springbox" at 3pm on the
North Ground.
And the attraction of nude rugby?
"It is bloody great fun ... a good giggle," he said.
Mr Bourke said the highlight of his long career was playing
in front of a 1500 strong crowd and international media
contingent against the Spanish Conquistadors last year.
The visiting team of six senoritas and a senor won 25-20, to
strip the Nude Blacks of their unbeaten home record.
Perhaps the oddest experience was when on holiday last year
in the United States.
"I was sitting in a restaurant on the pier at San Clemente,
California, and this guy walks up and says 'I know you ...
aren't you the captain of the Nude Blacks?"
"In reality, I'm still just a cycle courier who likes getting
nude once in a while."
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