Rugby: Tourell ends long stint in club role

Terry Tourell has retired from his job as club secretary after 29 years in the engine room of the Dunedin Rugby Football Club.

Tourell (66), who worked for the Public Trust for 44 years, originally agreed in 1981 to take on the job for a year or two.

"I enjoyed my involvement with the club. There wasn't a queue of people waiting in the wings so I just kept going until my enthusiasm and energy waned," he told the Otago Daily Times yesterday.

"It is time to give up."

It was a remarkable achievement to hold the same executive position in the club for so long.

It surpassed the efforts of Sam Sullivan, who was president from 1897 to 1913.

During Tourell's time as secretary the club has grown in strength on the playing field and won seven premier banners, which has been backed by a strong effort by the administration off the paddock.

Dunedin is now one of the strongest rugby clubs in New Zealand and its reputation has spread throughout the country.

The club attracts students from the University of Otago who look upon the club as a home away from home.

"I have just been one member of a small but keen committee that has driven the changes in the club," Tourell said.

"We have a great team spirit."

Tourell typifies the loyal club member who has done his bit to keep the club strong.

He played lower grade rugby at halfback or wing for the Dunedin club from 1961-68 but was never going to hit the headlines.

His son, Brett, played for the Dunedin Colts for two years, and wife Robyn typed up the notes from committee meetings.

It is estimated that Tourell took notes at 350 club meetings during his long career.

Tourell will retain his interest with the club and continue to watch teams from the sidelines each week during the club season.

No successor was appointed at the 139th annual meeting of the club this week.

The incoming committee will make the appointment.