While it may be difficult to prove otherwise, Dennis McBride reckons he is the Highlanders’ No1 fan.
Since Forsyth Barr Stadium opened, the 75-year-old die-hard rugby supporter has attended almost every Highlanders home game — until recently.
Failing health has prevented the Radius Fulton rest-home resident from going to the matches.
"I can’t get up the stairs now because I get short of breath and that sort of carry-on."
So it meant the world to him yesterday when Highlanders halfback James Arscott, centre Thomas Umaga-Jensen and his favourite player, fullback Finn Hurley, paid him a visit.
"Finn’s my favourite. I miss him being on the field. It’s not the same without him.
"This has made my week. The way the guys have come in especially to see me ..."
While he liked to watch the games live at the stadium, these days he was restricted to watching them on a 60-inch flat screen TV in his room — surrounded by rugby memorabilia and his treasured autographed and framed 2025 Highlanders rugby jersey.
It was "just about as good" as the real thing, he said.
"I never miss a game.
"I’m in charge of the remote in here."
Mr Hurley said he and the other players appreciated superfans like Mr McBride.
"Especially through the tough times, he’s still there, he’ll still be watching and supporting, even if he can’t be there.
"We wanted to come and see Dennis because he can’t make it to our games any more.
"So to be able to come in here and put a smile on his face and get a few boys down, it’s not very hard for us to do."
He said Mr McBride had been remarkably reserved about sharing playing tips in front of the media.
"I’m sure he’s got some advice somewhere."
Mr McBride said he played school and club rugby, but third grade was about as far as it went for him.
He then spent more than 30 years with the Otago Rugby Supporters Club, where he spent time as president, before becoming a proud life member.
Radius Fulton manager Lisa Genge said rugby was Mr McBride’s "world".
"He lights up when he talks about the Highlanders.
"It’s been hard for him not being able to go to the games any more."
So, yesterday’s visit was a "truly meaningful moment" for him to meet some of his rugby heroes, she said.
