PRFC: This week, we had the pleasure of catching up with Geoff Higson. Many of you will know him as a club legend and larger-than-life personality. But while we all shiver away in the bitter British wintertime, Geoff is sat back enjoying the sun (and a sangria or two) in the south of Spain!

Geoff Higson: I came to Spain in 1998 with the intention of living here. I now live in Spain and have become a resident. The reason I left the UK was that I was becoming disenchanted with the direction it was heading, and subsequent governments have not proved me wrong.

I do love it here, as the people and way of life very much suit me in my dotage. One of the few connections I still have is the rugby club, which holds more than fond memories for me. Thanks to a fellow player and friend, Stuey Barden, and his team, they’ve transformed the club into what it is today. I keep in touch with all that happens through the club’s informative Facebook page and have witnessed the astonishing progress in the club’s fortunes.

Unfortunately, very little rugby is played in the south of Spain due to the rock-hard pitches brought about by continuous sunshine and lack of rain.

When I finished my time in the Royal Navy as a radio operator, where I played a great deal of rugby, a move to Petersfield RFC was the obvious choice. Back then, it was very much grassroots rugby. We had no clubhouse and frequented the Red Lion to entertain the opposition and other local clubs. Our only pitch was at Love Lane, where half a dozen of us trained under car headlamps—usually mine! In those days, it could be a struggle to get a second team out.

Those familiar with Love Lane will remember the uphill struggle—literally—in the second half, thanks to the severe slope and poor drainage. I also remember Eric Bray’s antics, stealing yards at lineouts to the protests of the opposition!

When I retired in 1998, my final game was against a President’s XV, and the club gave me an amazing send-off, complete with a hog roast. I was gifted a Hampshire referees’ shirt as a cheeky reminder of my habit of advising referees on their shortcomings—though leaving a white stick or oxygen bottle in their changing room may not have been appreciated!

Finally, I want to say: keep going the way you are. There are only superlatives for how the club has been run and has blossomed over the years. Many congratulations to all involved.

PRFC: We also caught up with ex-PRFC captain Mick Longley, a man who traded Hampshire for New Zealand back in 2002!

Mick Longley: Kia ora koutou (Hello and welcome)! It’s a pleasure to share some memories of my time at Petersfield Rugby Club.

It’s great that I can keep in touch with the club’s progress and achievements from here in New Zealand. I left England on the 6th of June 2002 to start a new life with my wife and daughter, both of whom were born here. Not long after arriving, I was asked by a local college to coach their First XV. I didn’t hesitate! I set out my vision to the players, and over the next two years, we achieved results they’d never seen before.

One standout memory is coaching a young player who went on to achieve every Kiwi’s dream—playing for the All Blacks. His name is Codie Taylor, and he’s still playing today.

Since living here, I’ve coached the Athletic Rugby Club, become their president, played Golden Oldies rugby for them, and even represented the Horowhenua Kapiti representative Presidents XV—fulfilling a lifelong dream of playing rugby in New Zealand.

I have countless fond memories of Petersfield Rugby Club and all the players I played with and against. There are too many to list, but I must mention the late John Kingdom, Johnny Ray, and Johnny Walker. I also remember Geoff Higson, Bob Trigg, the Garner brothers, and of course, the mighty Stu Barden.

My proudest moment? Playing for Hampshire, but above all, captaining the team that played the opening game of the new clubhouse against an invitational side. That team included legends like Derek White, Gareth Chilcott, Tim Rodber, and Bill Cuthbertson. Seeing my father on the balcony with a tear in his eye after the game, saying how proud he was, was unforgettable.

I’m so proud and humbled to be part of this great club. I wish you all a fantastic day and hope the result goes our way. Who knows—I might just pop in again one day!

All the very best,
Mick Longley

It's great to hear that two club legends are enjoying life and we are extremely appreciative of their continued support from abroad! We look forward to welcoming them when they next visit!