Kerry is the new President of Shirley Rugby, taking over from the long–serving Roger Smith. Kerry brings a wealth of experience and passion to Shirley Rugby. He joined the club and started playing senior rugby in 1977 and continued through to 1988, captaining the senior team for three years. He also coached and played seniors from 1990 to 1992. Kerry also played in the Canterbury Colts, Canterbury B and Canterbury A teams. He was part of the Canterbury team that won the Ranfurly Shield in 1982

Some of his many highlights was being an All Black trialist 1983, winning the Senior Championship 1986 and representing New Zealand Combined Services teams. Kerry joined the Shirley Rugby committee in the early 1990’s, and he was a Board member during the merger with cricket and the building of the clubrooms. He was an integral part of the 100 year celebration organising committee in 2017 and is a Life Member of Shirley Rugby.

Kerry is an avid supporter of Shirley Rugby and can be seen on the sideline most Saturdays cheering on the senior teams.  Son Hayden has been the RDO for Shirley Rugby for the last 3 years and is now a key coach with Div 1.  Hayden was part of the Div 2 coaching team and enjoyed a competition win last year. Kerry’s wife Pam Mitchell has been a long-time sponsor of Shirley Rugby.

Article added: Thursday 12 September 2019