John Robbie
@johnrobbiesa
British & Irish Lion #574, Ireland, Leinster, Dublin Univ, Cambridge Univ, Greystones, Transvaal. 1 of 5 Players of the Year 1987. Former 702 morning host.
Found my Irish cap (you only get one). I don’t think the years have been too kind! To the cap or to me!
We lost 21-10 after being up at HT. We got 2 jerseys + 1 pair of socks per season. Shorts/boots were on us. Tony Ensor kindly brought an old jersey so I could keep mine and swap for an Aussie one. At FT I had the ball but wasn’t allowed to get it signed. I was told that would make me a professional!
Fifty years ago this month I made my debut for Ireland v Australia. I was twenty years and two months old. Scared stiff! Where does time go? I am now 70!
He repeated stories, as do I, but each time they were just as funny. He was irreverent but also deeply religious. He loved India and Africa and cricket and friends. His favourite toast? ‘To enduring friendship!’ Hamba Kahle
Recently Jennie and I had lunch at 1920 and bumped into Dick Foxton. He looked very unwell but, as usual, was optimistic and full of fun. Now he is gone. He never forgot a birthday, got me Don Bradman's autograph, introduced us to amazing people and was never in a bad mood... 1/2
New History Channel show 'SA Battlefields’ airs on Friday at 21h10 on DSTV 186. As you watch remember this was going on between takes for seven hours. I hope you find watching it as compelling as we did making it.
At the launch of ‘Battlefields SA with John Robbie’ It goes out on 186 History Channel at 21h05 on June 6th. Don’t miss it!
I hadn't considered that JHB is almost unique for hosting the three major World Cup Finals . What a great tourist idea? Please inform any sports nuts or groups who are due to visit.
Look what came up as a memory. A great lunch with the late, great, legendary, Long John Berks. One of a kind and that’s for sure.
The King is dead! Denis Law was my hero as a kid. The day he and George Best visited 702 was a life highlight. At dinner that evening both were interesting and interested. They were modest but generous in their conversations. The Holy Trinity has gone-but will be never forgotten! Hamba kahle King.
My wife, Jennie, recently found this old article from 1999. I was amazed at the time that the JSE wasn’t interested in buying and displaying this piece of Joburg history. I wonder where it is now?