Mount Maunganui rugby stalwart Terry Hurdle remembered for service

He played squash, tennis and cricket, but later became more heavily involved in the rugby scene.

He became a familiar presence on the sidelines and in the clubrooms, often in his Mount Maunganui Sports Club blazer, tie and cap.

Hurdle became known as “Mr Rugby” for his fervent loyalty and enthusiasm for the game, the Mount club and his beloved Bay of Plenty Steamers.

Steamers manager Wayne Brill said Hurdle was his assistant manager from 2013 to 2015, and helped in other ways over the years.

“He was a funny man, really well-liked, and the players loved having him around.

“He used to stand in the tunnel at Tauranga Domain and the Rotorua International Stadium in his blazer, cap and tie and greet the boys individually as they came in and out of the changing rooms.

“We will all miss Tezza, who has left an indelible stamp on the Mount and Bay of Plenty club rugby.”

The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union formally recognised Hurdle’s contributions with a Service to Sport award in 2016 and a framed autographed jersey in 2018.

Hurdle’s daughter Julie Hurdle said her father’s passion for rugby and the club he held dear never waned, right to the end.

She and her brother Russell Hurdle said their mother Raewyn was “Dad’s quiet helper”, always there to organise things so he could do what he loved.

“Mum was Dad’s rock, and she backed him 100%, and they were devoted to each other,” Russell said.

“In the words of Jerry Maguire, our dad used to say, once he met mum, she had him at hello.”

The couple had 60 years of marriage, two children and two grandchildren, Nicholas and Ben.

Julie said her father was a “passionate” family man.

“We always knew we were loved and Dad always told us how extremely proud he was of our achievements, and supported us 100% ...”

Julie laughed remembering one teenage grandson having the “unenviable task” of calling his grandfather with the news he wanted to switch from playing rugby to football.

“He was a wonderful father and grandfather, and we are extremely proud of all he achieved,” she said.

A plumber by trade - like his father and grandfather - Hurdle started his own company, Terry Hurdle Plumbing.

He came off the tools in 2004 and worked for Bunnings for nine years - stacking shelves and bending shoppers’ ears about rugby - before retiring aged 72.

Terry Hurdle’s close friend Greg Percy said they knew each other for more than 50 years, playing squash, cricket and tennis together in Mount Maunganui.

He said Hurdle was “instrumental” in helping the rugby and squash clubs work closer together.

“Despite his poor health, Terry was still trying to do things for the club right to the end. He will be sorely missed.”

Fellow Mount Maunganui Sports Club life member David Brown said he and Hurdle became close friends in the 1990s.

He said Hurdle’s lifetime of service to the club was “immeasurable”.

“Every club would have someone who goes the extra mile, but I can’t think of anyone who has probably given as much time and commitment to our club in a voluntary capacity as Terry has.”

Craig Sandlant, a former coach of the Western Bay of Plenty Rugby premier men’s team, said he and Hurdle “got on like a house on fire” when they met in the 1990s.

Hurdle was his team manager for about two years.

“Terry had great organisational and people skills, and a huge knowledge of the game. We worked well together, and he was my right-hand man.”

He said Hurdle was “well-thought of” by players, fans and supporters, and his contribution to the Mount and Bay of Plenty club rugby scene was “immense”.

Bay of Plenty MP Tom Rutherford posted a tribute to Hurdle on Friday, calling him a “true local legend and a dedicated servant to our community”.

A funeral service for Hurdle will be held from 2.30pm today at Legacy Funerals Pāpamoa.

Hurdle was farewelled with a service at Legacy Funerals Pāpamoa yesterday.

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