Distinguished Traveler Joins SFRFC Hall of Fame Brendan Morris, CEO of SANZAAR
Santa Fe, NM
June 21, 2023 - DW
Brendan Morris, a native of Sydney, Australia, holds the post of chief executive officer of SANZAAR, an alliance taking its acronym-based name from the major rugby nations of the southern hemisphere: South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina. Each year SANZAAR conducts The Rugby Championship, an annual competition between these nations’ national teams, as well as Super Rugby, the professional club competition involving teams from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.
Brendan is also a Santa Fe Santo, having played flyhalf for us from 1994 -1996. In Los Angeles this week representing the global south in World Rugby meetings, the resourceful Mr. Morris squeezed in a 24-hour detour to visit with old mates over, and somewhat after, dinner at Del Charro on Wednesday, June 21.
The club’s fortunes took a decidedly upward turn after Brendan and traveling partner Brett Derwin, a flanker, found their way to Santa Fe through the efforts of Larry Smith, father of fellow hall of famers Darren and Greg. The young Aussies had concluded a playing adventure in Ireland and were interested in spending time in the States. Brett may have gotten more than he expected, as he married an American gal and now lives in the Colorado Rockies. Unfortunately he was unavailable to greet his old friend this week due to travel to Hawaii.
Brendan was known as a strong performer both on and off the pitch and he loved exploring downtown Santa Fe. Thus it was natural for him to check into the former Desert Inn, whose pool and recreation room served as the Club’s post-match social center during Brendan’s time with us.
For some in attendance, Wednesday provided the occasion to thank Brendan once again for his generosity toward old mates who have made the trek to Oz. The legendary wit and huge smile were on display throughout the evening as Brendan was showered with gifts, including a 50th anniversary jersey.
In one of the few serious moments of the evening Brendan Morris became, through emergency declaration, the latest inductee in the SFRFC Hall of Fame.
The following day Mr. Morris returned to business in LA before flying on to London for additional meetings the following week. We wish to thank him for his undying loyalty, both to Santa Fe Rugby and the Game They Play in Heaven. Hopefully he’ll get some well-deserved time off after returning home to Sydney. Hasta la vista, mate!
P.S.
A member of Santa Fe’s fourth estate turned up to interview Brendan prior to dinner and the result is the lead story in the Friday, June 23 sports section of the Santa Fe New Mexican. Pick up a copy.
SANZAAR announces new Leadership team - Super Rugby Pacific | Super Rugby Championship news, results and fixtures from Super XV rugby
