Gary Quinlivan
CA Brumbies Assistant Manager Garry Quinlivan is gearing up for his 14th season with the CA Brumbies. Quinlivan is the only member of the CA Brumbies who has been involved in all 160 Super Rugby matches for the CA Brumbies between 1996 and 2008. Brumby Jack caught up with ‘Quinzo’ as he prepares for another CA Brumbies pre-season.
Brumby Jack: What has been the secret to staying involved for such an extended period of time?
Garry Quinlivan: Rugby has always been a large part of my life. It’s given me the opportunity to work with coaches, team managers and support staff whom I consider to be the best in their trade. I also enjoy the camaraderie with the players – they keep me active and honest. It’s been a pleasure to be associated with an organisation that is professional, innovative and resourceful. Plus, where else could you rub shoulders with rugby legends – both players and coaches?
BJ: What has been your favourite moment during the past 13 seasons with the CA Brumbies?
GQ: There have been so many – I don’t think I could single one out. 1996 was very memorable as it was our first year in the competition and we defeated Transvaal in the opener after the South African media said we were a team of discards and leftovers and we’d be beaten by 100 points by the South African sides. We followed it up with a victory over Natal at Manuka Oval; the thing I remember about that game was Joseph Roff scoring four tries and turning the South African fullback [Andre Joubert] inside out on several occasions. Later that year we beat Wales in our first international and had seven players selected in the Test side – which was a first for the ACT. The following year we defeated NSW 56-9 at Canberra Stadium – I’d waited a long time for that one! In 2000 we won two matches in South Africa for the first time and were the best side all year only to be defeated by the Crusaders on the bell in the final. 2001 was a great year when we won our first title and it was great belting NSW again the next year in the semi final. The 2004 title was also a special one – I think the first 30 minutes of that match were the best 30 minutes of rugby I’ve witnessed.
BJ: Has there been one player who has stood out over the last 13 years?
GQ: There have been too many to mention.
BJ: You’ve seen a number of coaches at the CA Brumbies during your tenure. How have Andy Friend and the new CA Brumbies coaching staff settled into their roles ahead of this season?
GQ: All the coaches we’ve had have brought something different to the organisation and have left the Brumbies ahead of the other Australian provinces with their innovative style – I don’t see Andy being any different in that regard. As for the assistant coaches, all of them are experienced and can only add to our performances. So far it has been a smooth transition for the coaches and I think the team of Friendy, Tony [Rea], Owen [Finegan] and Bill [Young] is an extremely formidable one.
BJ: What are your thoughts on the CA Brumbies squad for 2009?
GQ: I feel we have a very balanced squad and have the necessary depth to win the competition. In my opinion we will have a very strong forward pack and through them we will see the backs perform to their undoubted ability.
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