As the 2024 Melrose 7s approaches, I find myself reflecting on an incredible journey that began with a simple phone call in 2007. After seventeen years serving on the organizing committee of one of rugby’s most prestigious clubs, including my role as Operations Director, it’s time to pass on the jersey as Samurai transforms into Shogun Rugby.
The symmetry of seventeen years isn’t lost on me. It was always my chosen shirt number during my playing days – certainly not the most distinguished career, but one that led me to where I am today. Though I’m stepping back from operations, I’ll continue supporting the club as Vice President and fundraiser, roles that feel more crucial than ever during this transition.
Terry Sands’ call in 2007 opened the door to an extraordinary privilege: working alongside the world’s finest sevens coaches and players. The club’s achievements during this period have been nothing short of remarkable, with tournament victories spanning six continents. From the electric atmosphere of the Dubai 7s to the historic grounds of Melrose, from the beaches of Punta Del Este to the heights of Hong Kong, we’ve left our mark on every corner of the rugby world.
The list of teams and players we’ve faced reads like a who’s who of international sevens rugby: South Africa, Kenya, Argentina, England, and countless others who’ve helped shape the sport’s landscape. But it’s not just about the matches or the trophies – it’s about the people who made it all possible.
The players from all over the World whose careers have benefitted from being part of the #SamuraiFamily are too inumerable to mention. Better to say that Samurai players,both men and women, have represented over forty nations: winning awards and medals on the World Series, the Commonwealth Games, The Olympics and at Rugby World Cups.
I’m indebted to the club stalwarts who welcomed me into the Samurai family. Terry and Rose Sands, Mike Friday, Fahad Adil, Nick Wakley, and so many others who’ve contributed to this remarkable story. Each person brought their own unique energy and dedication to the club, creating something truly special. I am particuarly indebted to the late, great, Colin Hillman who convinced me I had something to contribute after my first tour to Amsterdam didn’t go as well as I had hoped.
This reflection wouldn’t be complete without acknowledging the two people who introduced me to Samurai RFC. A friend of mine Joe O’Keefe, a team mate at Old Mid-Whitgiftian RFC and former Millfield 7s captain, put me in touch with his good friend Tommy Dann a talented player from Cambridge and Northampton Saints who gave Terry Sands my phone number which started the whole adventure. Without Joe and Tommy making those introductions I would never have got involved with Samurai and I am eternally grateful for the opportunities they opened up for me. Tragically Tommy died by suicide on the 18th February 2021 and it pains me that I never got to tell him how much his kind introduction has changed my life for the better and how grateful I was to him for that.
As I prepare to step away from my operational role, I’m filled with gratitude for the experiences, friendships, and memories that have shaped who I’ve become. Seventeen years, countless tournaments, and innumerable friendships later, I know this isn’t goodbye – it’s simply the beginning of a new chapter in my ongoing relationship with this extraordinary club.
“When the playing is done, the boots hung up and the tours over the most important thing is the friends you made along the way.”
The jersey may be changing hands, but the spirit of what we’ve built together will continue to thrive. Here’s to the next generation of leaders who will write their own chapters in this remarkable story.
Deano's World 