Marlborough's July local legend

Last month’s Local Legend had to be Robert Harrison Jones. Besides producing vast amounts of garlic under the brand Garlico with his brother Alan, Robert is a devoted stalwart of the Renwick Rugby Club, his involvement stretching back forty years.

“I was playing at seventeen and by eighteen I was on the committee,” he says. He and wife Vicki are Life Members. “It’s something you just can’t get away from,” he laughs. “It feels like a second family. The mates I’ve made here over the years mean everything to me. The club has been a massive part of our lives. You keep making new friends too and working together with people in this community to make sure the club keeps going is a fantastic thing to be part of.”

Fittingly, Robert scored the first try at the club’s curtain raiser 110th celebration last Saturday between Renwick and great rival, Awatere. Robert is typically humble. “I was just at the right place at the right time. I only had to run about five metres.”

One of his great joys has been the involvement of his family. Wife Vicki continues her tireless dedication behind the scenes and the couple’s sons Zac and Quinn have carried the torch for the region, going on to play premier rugby. Quinn was part of the Tasman Mako team that lifted the Ranfurly Shield in 2024 alongside other local team member Kyren Taumoefolau.

Not only has Robert notched up a remarkable 320 premier games himself, the most in the club’s history, but he has been club captain and is club president yet again.

Robert truly embodies the spirit and heart of Renwick Rugby and is excited to see the youngsters coming into the game from as young as six. “They will be our players of the future,” he adds.

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