Collins loving new role in the studio as Saturday Rugby Club host

Above: Collins soaring high in Avalon’s lineout in his playing days and inset in the Saturday Rugby Club studios on Saturday with producer Aaron Cardie and Wellington Rugby’s Michael Langley.

Twelve years ago 175 people assembled in the same place at the same time to drink a tequila shot. A new Guinness World Record was created in Wellington and Damian Collins won a trip to Ireland, an experience that planted a seed for a future in broadcasting.

"It was a nationwide ZM promotion run by Polly and Grant. You had to complete a series of tasks, one of which was to break a Guinness World Record. I was the only one to do it hence I won the trip. I was spellbound by the whole radio business. It appeared to be so exciting and vibrant. I am living the dream hosting the Saturday Rugby Club." Collins enthuses.

It's 1987 and David Kirk hoists the William Webb Ellis trophy to signify the All Blacks as rugby's first World Champions.

Damian Collins is an impressionable five years old at primary school in Auckland. The All Whites football team visit and Collins is awe-struck.

"I got all their signatures and went home to show Dad with a big grin on my face. He tugged me into the car and took me to the nearest rugby club." Collins laughs.

Kerry Collins is a rugby man with a military background. Any football ambitions are quashed there and then.

"Dad played rep footy for West Coast and Buller and later played club rugby in Canterbury. Rugby was in his blood and was soon syringed into mine." Collins says.

Ironically Kerry gained greater notoriety in his solitary appearance for the Kiwis league team.

"Dad told me he was a Kiwi, but I never believed him. One day we were watching one those Sunday afternoon sports shows they used to have on TV One. They had a flashback to a Kiwis brawl in England. Dad says, 'I remember this match, I played in it.' I replied, 'No'. Then I saw this lanky guy with long hair turn his face towards the screen throwing haymakers. I said, 'Hey that's you.' I couldn't believe it. Today dad is bald and 150kg." Collins chuckles.

Growing up across the road from Eden Park during Auckland's halcyon Ranfurly Shield days soon converted the would-be All White on to the oval ball.

"I have dozens of programs signed by Inga the Winger, Michael Jones and Zinzan Brooke. Watching those guys left an indelible impression on me. Those programs are some of my most cherished possessions." Collins stresses.

Migration to Wellington and education at Union stronghold St. Patrick's College, Silverstream only enhanced Collins rugby obsession, even if his playing ability was somewhat limited.

"I never played for the First XV, but I met my best friends Scott and Thomas Waldrom at Stream. Thomas used to pay me to clean his First XV boots - he funded it from Year nine's lunch money. Thomas is a marvel. He is so fast on the field, but in those days he was even quicker to a bakery." Collins recalls.

It was the Waldrom connection that lured Collins to Avalon. The lock's Premier debut against Poneke was a baptism of fire.

"I marked Richard Watt and it was a slaughter." Collins laments.

Avalon were regular Jubilee Cup contenders in the early 2000's. It was hard men like Cameron Cross, Errol Weston and Jason Goble who were the backbone of the club. Lock 'Rusty' Goble was a particularly influential mentor for Collins.

"Rusty played something like 280 games for us. He was a maniac, totally ruthless. He was the only man I saw topple Richard Watt and a pool table at the same time. He taught me everything I know." Collins marvels.

Collins recalls two wins with a special fondness.

"We were down 20-0 against Ories at halftime and won 24-20. Ma'a Nonu was playing second-five and dropped the ball three times. It was the only three times he dropped the ball in his career."

"Similarly we beat MSP and I was marking my old school mates Bernie Upton and Matt Egan. I was two jugs and a few boots of Guinness down before I even turned up to the after match."

Plenty of Guinness was consumed in Ireland. The trip was only supposed to last two weeks, but Collins stayed for the best part of three years. He played a lot of rugby, but it wasn't as fulfilling as New Zealand.

"In one match I made the local newspaper for being sent off. An all-in brawl erupted and my own flanker punched me in the face. In retaliation I clouted the nearest bloke in the opposition and received my marching orders." Collins complains.

When Collins returned to New Zealand in 2008, Avalon was in disarray. Only three players remained from the semi-final team of 2004 and in the next two years only a solitary match was won.

"It was sad how things had fallen away, but loyalty is important to me. We eventually built ourselves back up." Collins says.

In 2010, Collins became Premier Captain and a proud moment was leading the Wolves in the Hardman Cup final which was lost to Wainuiomata.

Pre-season in 2011 was optimistic until disaster struck.

"While playing touch I broke two discs in my back. I had little history of injury, but for a year I was in chronic pain. At one stage I never thought I would walk again. Collins rues.
After 87 games Collins’ Avalon career was over.

Banking and recruitment ensured a steady salary, but boredom resulted in a dramatic career change last year.

"I went to America, but things didn't work out. I had been thinking about radio for a long time so when I came back I got my diploma. I have done various things for NZME like flipping sausages and interviewing Hurricanes. I am particularly grateful to Jason Pine for all the opportunities." Collins asserts.

Hosting the Saturday Rugby Club is Collins biggest break so far.

"I was really surprised to be asked. This is huge for me. I love club rugby, the tradition, the comradery and the personalities. I want to reflect the game in a positive light. I would like to thank my producer Aaron Cardie for helping me do this." Collins concludes.

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