And a very good rugby player.
That pretty much sums up the sentiment about veteran hooker Liam Coltman as he approaches his 100th game for Otago.
Coltman will bring up the milestone against North Harbour in a Ranfurly Shield defence in Dunedin tomorrow.
Former Otago prop and Otago B coach Scott Manson packed down alongside the happy hooker from 2010 to 2015.
They were supposed to be groomsmen at each other’s weddings, but rugby got in the way.
Now their children play together and they have remained fast friends.
That bond was forged on the field.
"I think the first word that pops up is loyalty," Manson said.
"He’s a loyal mate. He’ll do anything for you, do anything for your team.
"He’s got a team-first mentality. I remember when he was captain for a while, he didn’t speak a whole lot of words, but just led through a lot of actions. And when he did speak, everyone listened.
"And he’s always smiling, even when he is grumpy, probably."
Otago Rugby Football Union chief executive Richard Kinley has had a long association with the eight-game All Black and has always been struck by Coltman’s loyalty and his strength of character.
"What sums up the man is that he came back from [two years] overseas [in 2024] and the players picked him as the player’s player of the year, which is a really special award," Kinley said.
"When your peers select you as their most outstanding player of the year, that really says something.
"He’s just an outstanding person. He is the ultimate professional. He leads by example on and off the paddock.
"He’s just well-grounded, down to earth and an outstanding rugby player."
Coltman will become the 23rd player to register 100 games for Otago, but the first to reach 100 for both the Highlanders and Otago.
It is a testament to his skill, fitness and passion that he has been able to keep going during a professional career that has spanned 15 years.
Former lock Richard Knight is Otago’s most-capped player. He made a staggering 170 appearances in the blue and gold strip, but even he is in awe of what Coltman has been able to achieve.
"You’ve got to remember Liam’s contribution to the Highlanders on top of the Otago games as well," Knight said.
"He’s the sort of guy you build a team around and can completely and utterly rely on, on the field and off it."
Coltman is the first player in more than 20 years to give the 100-game milestone a nudge and may well end up being the final player to get there.
Former Otago rake David Latta, who clocked 161 games for the province, said he was fortunate to have coached Coltman "early on".
"He was fantastic. He was driven. He knew what he wanted to do," Latta said.
"He worked hard. He’s got a great work ethic, and he’s carried that right through. He’s pretty humble and patient and always smiles."
Latta got a thrill out of watching Otago hoist the Ranfurly Shield from Canterbury in Christchurch at the weekend.
Coltman came on in the second half and made a huge impact. He drove over from a lineout drive to score a crucial try, which tied the game up.
Cameron Millar nailed the conversion and Otago held on for a memorable 38-36 win.
If they defend it against North Harbour tomorrow, they will get to tuck the Shield away for the remainder of the season and focus on the NPC playoffs.
Coltman’s lineout feeds are money, he is a tremendous scrummager and he loves getting over the ball and snaffling turnovers. And he is part of a strong bench which has helped Otago finish strongly and clinch games which were otherwise in the balance.
"You know, there’s a reason why he’s not starting games," Manson said.
"Otago have got experience and toughness and a winning mindset to come on and win games.
"That’s what he’s there for. It’s helped shape the way that Otago is playing a lot, I believe.
"The young boys are doing a job to start the game, and then these guys are coming on and just, you know, knuckling down and finishing it. It’s pretty cool to watch."
