Brok Harris is a rare breed in modern day professional sport.
He remained loyal to a place that he had absolutely no affiliation with before he arrived in the country in 2014 WRU v NZ Rugby Game .Former Dragons boss Lyn Jones signed him on a three-year deal and Harris settled to the degree that he remained in situ for seven seasons, amassing 143 appearances.
He stayed for so long that the South Africa-born prop became Welsh-qualified, though he admits he never had any contact with the Welsh management.
Even in his final season at the club, at the age of 35, he played in 18 out of a possible 23 games and was named as the PRO14 ‘tackle machine’, making 170 tackles and missing just four.
His time at Rodney Parade ended in regrettable circumstances, though. With the WRU and the regions locked in protracted discussions at the end of last season, there was uncertainty over what budgets would be available for the new season.
“Dean and myself had three conversations and the first two were about budgets and younger guys pushing the squad forward.
“He couldn’t really give me a clear answer on whether or not he was going to keep me. They weren’t sure about the funding from the WRU.
“I just needed to make a decision for me and my family. I couldn’t wait any more.
“I just made the call and said: ‘Listen, if that’s the case, I would rather finish on my terms’.
“It was my decision but the conversations I had forced me into a decision that I needed to make.”
When asked if it was a disappointing way to end things, he said: “Yeah, 100 percent.
“I always wanted to stay and try to transition into a coaching role through the Dragons after playing. All Blacks Welsh rugby
No comments:
Post a Comment