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Bulls Abroad - Nick Risdon

Bulls Abroad - Nick Risdon

Simon Harrison25 Apr 2017 - 03:00
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A look at how one of our former players is getting on since leaving the Bulls and returning overseas.

In each article, we ask the player to let us know their memories of Hamilton Rugby Club and what they are currently doing on and off the pitch...

This time we hear from Nick Risdon who played for the Hamilton Bulls during the 2008/09 season.

What are your highlights and memories of Hamilton Rugby Club?
Unfortunately, we didn't have the greatest of years results wise but I really enjoyed the way all the boys stuck together and kept working hard to represent the Bulls with pride.

I recall a good home win over GHA in which fellow Kiwi Russell Coutts scored his first ever try. Away trips were always a highlight as we made the most of the trip home and Mogsy's flash boom box.

Hamilton is just a great bunch of guys and club people and we were looked after really well. I hope one day I can make it back to Hamilton to catch up with everyone.

I remember living at Nethan Gate with Russ, Shaun and big Matty Sheen and it was a laugh and a half with some great times and good nights out with the boys. In one of our first nights at Nethan Gate, Russ broke the bed jumping on it after getting caught sneaking into Matt's room while he was entertaining.

Mogsy would always ring me on Sunday's to talk about the game so we would get the boys in the lounge and I'd put the phone on speaker and try to get out of Mogsy how he thought the guy the flat played.

One highlight, in particular, was the Burns supper at the club, where we experience the full Scottish cultural experience wearing kilts.

I can't talk about my time without mentioning the Tea Club boys who in particular really made us feel welcome. A great memory of us was traveling to Murrayfield via limo to watch the All Blacks play Scotland. We had a great night out afterward including pretending to be part of the All Blacks traveling squad and Roddy was our Scottish guide. Somehow we ended up in the VIP room.....

What's going on at the moment on and off the field?
After my season at Hamilton, I returned to NZ and played Premier rugby for my club Hutt Old Boys Marist (aka 'The Eagles') up until last year.
Right now I'm a proud father to three beautiful girls (Ellery 6, Teuila 3 and Sienna 2) and happily married to my wife Melina, who came over for a couple of weeks while I was at Hamilton.
I've hung up the boots from Premier rugby but 'never say never' lol...

"Once a Bull, always a Bull"

Thanks for the update Nick and remember that you always have a home at the Bulls.

Photo 1 - Scoring Try on debut vs Kelso - set up by Roddy (apparently!)
Photo 2 - With Russ & Shaun in traditional Scottish attire
Photo 3 - With his wife Melina
Photo 4 - Mr. Gemmell, Russ, Nick, Piggsy (just back from "holiday"), and Shaun
Photo 5 - In action for Hutts Old Boys Marist

Bulls Abroad - Other Articles in the Series

Further reading