Remembering Mike O’Donovan

Canterbury Rugby is saddened by the passing of much-loved community rugby champion, Mike O’Donovan, however, it’s pretty fitting that his life will be celebrated during National Volunteer Week.

Mike was a man who gave so much of his time and energy to so many of us and for that we are forever grateful. 

From first pulling on a Marist Rugby jersey back in 1973 for their under 19s a large proportion of Mike's adult life has been dedicated to rugby. Playing, coaching, managing and developing young players.

After playing more than 100 games for Marist during their golden era, alongside the likes of Steve Hansen and Greg Coffee, Mike then moved into coaching. Helping out with the U19’s and then Senior B. Before he and the family shifted to the West Coast, where he guided Marist to their first West Coast senior title in 25 years in 1994. Mike was then handed the reins of West Coast in the Heartland competition in 1995-1997.

During this time, he was also a New Zealand Under 19 selector.

After a decade away in Scotland and Ireland, Mike returned to Canterbury, as the Rugby Development Officer at Christchurch Football Club in 2009, spending 10 seasons with the Axemen before retiring in 2018. A call from Linwood the following year saw his love of being involved in the community continue, with three years at Linfield, before an opportunity came available to return home to Marist Albion in 2022. Somehow over the past three seasons, he also found time to help out as Manager of Canterbury Māori rep side Waitaha.

“Mike epitomised everything that is good about community rugby with his love of club rugby and strong sense of community service and giving back to others, which lives on in his children and grandchildren. I’ve personally known him for over 25 years, and alongside the Canterbury Community Rugby team will dearly miss his sage advice, considered opinions and welcoming hugs.” said Canterbury Rugby Community Manager Fiona Smith

Mike’s funeral is at St Mary’s Church Pro Cathedral on Manchester Street on Wednesday at 10.30am, with the wake to be held at the Linwood Rugby Club at Linfield Park from 3pm.