The Stoke Rugby Club lost a true legend last week when Ken Mansfield passed away suddenly while at work.
His Senior playing career spanned four decades from the 1970s to the 2000s.
He played in excess of 200 senior games, the most for Stoke and possibly any club in Nelson
He was a hard-working prop from the old school, a lifelong member of the front row club.
He was instrumental in all of Stokes championship winning teams through the 80s and 90s. A product of Nayland College where he played 1st 15 rugby and was the first of a group of players from the college who went on to play for Stokes first championship winning team in 1982.
Trainings for Ken were always a good way work up a thirst and to be got through a quickly as possible, but come Saturday Ken always gave 100%, putting his body on the line every week, and continuing to play on knees that were getting very creaky.
Ken’s greatest strengths were team bus trips, the backseat was his domain, and after-match functions plus the half hour Sunday clean up that could last all day. His singing voice was terrific and The Company Store was a real favourite.
These occasions, combined with playing and training together, forged real team unity and lifelong friendships.
He also played in Canada for the Terrace club, and in England for the Esher club in London.
We soon learned from Ken how to keep tight forwards happy. Always kick the ball out – tighties need their rest. Just kick it down their end, no airy-fairy pretty boy shit in our half thanks. He always loudly thanked a successful goal kick, winning in threes was fine by him and a good rest opportunity.
Ken played a handful of games for Nelson Bays in the 80s and barring injury would have played a lot more.
But more importantly he was the glue that kept a team and a club together, performing through good and bad times, wins and losses
He was a team and club man first and foremost who will be sadly missed, not only by his Stoke clubmates but also his fellow front row opponents from the Tasman region.
Condolences to Ken's family and friends.
Rest in Peace.