This Friday evening, Eden Rugby Club and Auckland Rugby Union (ARU) Life Member Dennis Mullins will be honoured for his outstanding contribution to rugby in Auckland throughout his playing and administrative career.

Born in Te Kuiti, Dennis began his playing career like so many others players, in bare feet on frosted over fields. Fast-forward to the beginning of his career with Eden Rugby Club as a 19 year old, which continued right up until 1973. This time also saw Dennis represent the union as a Senior B representative for three years.

The year 1973 saw Dennis act as a player/coach for the Eden Premier Reserves before being called-up mid-season to the Premier side. Subsequent to this, Dennis went on to coach the Premier side for 6 years.

The 1980s saw Dennis take on two roles of particular sides in the Auckland region with immense success. The U18s and Colts benefitted greatly through this time period on the back of Dennis’s work with them and saw a number of players go on to greater things after coming under his tutelage.

In 1980, the Auckland U18 were fortunate enough to have Dennis act on the selctor’s panel as well assume the role of Head Coach where they reached the finals of the Northern Region tournament.

From 1981-86, Dennis assumed similar roles with the Colts side. Within this period they experienced the success of going undefeated through three of those seasons and were twice winners of the North Island Quadrangular tournament.

It is perhaps the greatest reflection of Dennis’s time involved with these particular Colts sides that no less than 16 notable All Blacks came from this period. These include the likes of Grant Fox, Sean Fitzpatrick, Terry Wright, Sir Michael Jones and the Brooke brothers.

In his return the Colts set-up as Manager between 1994-96 he had future All Blacks such as Isitolo Maka, Xavier Rush, Jeremy Stanley, Kees Meuws and Doug Howlett come under his care as they progressed through the ranks.

From an administrative point of view, the contribution of Dennis is almost unparalleled. From 1992-2008 he fulfilled several key roles at both club and provincial level that continued to propel and promote the game in a forward-thinking manner for its betterment.

He was involved as a Senior Delegate to the Senior Management Board of the Auckland Rugby Union and part of the Fixtures, Coaching, Adult Rugby and Liaison Committees throughout this time.

Dennis also Chaired the Council of Delegates, and was a Director and Board Member from 2001-08 of the ARU.

There are few people that are more deserving on having their accomplishments honoured in such a way at a club that has been very much a home to Dennis for many years. His contribution to both Eden and Auckland Rugby has left an indelible mark on the fabric of both organisations.

If you would like to attend the function this Friday night, please RSVP to: clubmanager@edenrugby.co.nz by this evening.