Almost a Legend

By Dick Coleshaw    ISBN 978-1-928359-15-9 R249.00 + shipping Paperback / 120 pages 120 including 16 b&w photos

African Studies / Sport / Rugby

Almost a Legend Richard “Dick” Coleshaw played for Rhodesia in the years 1966–74. He was invited to several Springbok trials (in the days when they had trials) and played for now-extinct teams like the Quaggas, South African Country Districts and the Gazelles. But he never managed to pull on that green and gold jersey. (He was, though, selected by rugby journalist A. C. Parker for his Best Players Never to Make the Springbok Team.) When he retired in 1974, former Rhodesian and Springbok coach, the late Ian McIntosh, wrote an article about Coleshaw titled “Farewell to a Legend” in the local newspaper. In an environment where legends are now plentiful, this is the story of one of many almost-legends. It is also about the massive changes that have come to pass in the world of rugby in the last few decades. .

Almost a Legend Dick Coleshaw was born in Bulawayo, Rhodesia, on December 26, 1945. He discovered rugby at Christian Brothers College in 1956 and later at Guinea Fowl boarding school, where sport defined his years. He excelled in athletics and swimming but rugby was his strength, earning four years in the 1st XV and selection for the Rhodesian schools’ team at the first Danie Craven Week in 1964. At the University of Rhodesia (1966–1968), he completed a BA while playing for the national side, appearing in about 60 matches and attending Springbok trials. National service in 1969–1970 and injury limited his play, and after joining Unilever in Harare he retired from rugby in 1974. In 1979, Coleman moved to South Africa to join Stellenbosch Farmers’ Winery, then the country’s largest wine and spirits producer. He became marketing director in 1982 and international marketing director in 1990, traveling extensively until early retirement in 2000. Since then, he has worked independently in the wine industry. A lifelong commitment to fitness has seen him through marathons, triathlons, cycling, and weight training. Today, he enjoys family life, happily re married with five children and thirteen grandchildren.

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