3:59pm Tuesday 6th January 2009
By Joe Ward
As a stalwart of the All Blacks for many years and for the last few years as a player and coach for London Wasps – Dowdy has been there and done that.
I remember when i first signed on for Wasps in 2005 he was the first to pick me up from the airport, and from then on was my chauffer to and from games for the next couple of months.
As a big fan of Dowdy when i was growing up, i was naturally nervous and a bit shy when conversing with the man. This lack of banter was observed to the delight of my brother , who used to travel with us to the games.
On one occasion, knowing my propensity to sweat when faced with new and awkward situations, Nick (my brother) decided to turn up the heating in the front seat where i was sitting.
For 45 minutes i was a blithering, sweat dripping mess. I dont know what Dowdy was thinking of me, but he must of thought he had signed an barely literate, stumbling sweaty simpleton.
Anyway thankfully i redeemed myself after a while and came to get on well with the big man. There have been many memorable characters and moments in Wasps history and Dowdy has been involved in his fair share.
One such event that made the boys laugh was after a game where we had stopped off at a quiet pub for a few ales. Dowdy, while pointing out the finer points of front row play to one of the younger lads, had his arm wrapped around the youngster and enforcing his various point.
What he didn't realise was that he still had the black marker pen he had used to sign a couple of autographs earlier on. While passing on his advice he was unaware that he was scribbling all over the young fellas new pressed white shirt. Being an upstart youngster he didn't say a word as Dowdy proceeded to unknowingly graffiti all over this guys shirt. The boys witnessing this were on the floor.
Anyway, sadly he has gone now back to New Zealand and recently has been appointed as North Harbour's NPC Head Coach. It is here we hear from him: Wardy, thank you for your Kind words. I did think you were a bit a sweater but until I signed Charlie Beech I came to realize it must have been a front row trait, especially when I was talking to him and I watched the biggest drop of sweat push its way through his skin and start to drip all over his shirt – It was winter and I wasn’t talking rugby, I was only asking how his love life was going… Dowdy long time no hear. Firstly congrats on the NPC job. How's it been going so far?
So far so good, it nice to finally get my hands on the reigns, I am looking forward to the start of the season but at present doing lots of planning.
Obviously apart from winter training camps in Poland is there a few things you experienced at Wasps on or off the field that you may try to introduce to North Harbour?
Ice baths will play a big part…but DEFENCE, DEFENCE and a bit more DEFENCE will be my main Focus, if I have learnt anything with that short little bald fella, is that it is pretty important. I don’t like talking about culture because it is something that creates itself and cannot be forced but I appreciate I will need to nurture its development.
North Harbour being my ex team, i imagine my name is still being bandied around with high regard and esteem. Is this till the case?
Most definitely! The team saying is “Would WARDY have done it like that?” – ASK yourselves Boys it that the way WARDY would do it? The team are very excited over your achievements, some quotes being “ Shit, if Wardy can marry a Hot Babe we can all be All Blacks!,” – We aren’t Losers…look at Joe Ward…. Eat your greens guys or you will get a hairy back like Wardy…..
You obviously were in London for a while, how has it been settling back into the slower pace of life in N.Z.? Have the kids got rid of their posh English accents yet?
My kids have still got their English accent but they aren’t getting beaten up so often now. I have a Tractor which I am very excited about, it is used to launch my boat in to the sea strait off the beach which is 400m away from my house. It takes me 20mins to get to work every day in flowing traffic. I am loving the open spaces and at times quiet areas. BUT I do miss the English lifestyle and good old London town, who knows it didn’t take Gats or Hanksy to long to shoot back.
In regard to the different types of playing style and team atmosphere (both of which you have experienced) between the northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere, do you have a favourite?
I really enjoyed the Rugby that was being played in the North Hemisphere PRE-ELV’s and belief it has damaged our games value and enjoyment. I also wonder if there is anyone big enough or powerful enough to have the balls to stand up and say enough is enough let’s take out some of the positives of the ELV’s i.e. 5m Scrum, agree that bringing back rucking is the only way will tidy up the breakdown and get the world playing the game we all loved.
Last question – you were renowned for being the last rugby player ever, to wear the high ankled style of rugby boot. Do you still have a pair and have the North Harbour lads been fortunate enough to see you striding around in them at training?
YES! In fact I have a box fill Thanks for the time interviewing me Wardy, good Luck with the rest of the season and to all the Wasps supporters let’s ride the storm and get in behind our boys.
“Once a Wasps, Always a Wasps!”
Craig Dowd
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