Obituary: W H D (Dennis) Brown # 632

W H D (Dennis) Brown
Thames Valley Representative # 632 Waikato Representative #671

It is with much sadness that we record the passing of Dennis Brown on 19th February 2024.

Dennis was a distinguished rugby personality, on and off the field, and he was well known and respected right throughout New Zealand.

After attending Morrinsville College he was selected for Waikato in the 1971, 72 and 73 seasons. His club was Kereone and altogether he played 16 games for Waikato and scored one try. In the mid 1970s he moved to a dairy farm in Manawaru and joined the Waihou Club where he played a total of 15 games for Thames Valley in 1977 and 1979. In 1985 he made four further Valley appearances from the Hauraki North Club.

He coached Thames Valley for two season – in 1991 and 1992. The 1991 season was Thames Valley’s best ever in the old Division Two. Valley was placed 4th and notched up a record 17 competition points.

In the 1990s Dennis was selector/coach of several New Zealand Age Group Teams.

He went on to coach Marlborough from 2003 to 2005 and then the newly formed Tasman Union in 2006 and 2007. In 2002 and 2003 he was an Assistant Coach for the Chiefs.

Although he started his provincial career as a flanker for Waikato Dennis is well remembered as a burly, hard-working prop with a never say never attitude.

The Thames Valley Rugby Union extends our sincere sympathy to Gaylene and all of Dennis’s family.

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Playing Career:
William Henry Dennis Brown

Surname: Brown
First names: William Henry Dennis
Known by: Dennis
Clubs: Kereone, Waihou, Hauraki North

Provincial teams:
Waikato 1971, 1972, 1973
Thames Valley 1977, 1979, 1985

Biography:
1971: Prop – 1 game
1972: Prop [8], No 8 [4] – 12 games – 1 try (4 pts)
1973: Flanker – 3 games
1977: Forward – 6 games
1978: Colin Meads Invitation XV: Prop – 1 game
1979: Prop – 9 games
1985: Prop – 4 games

Sub Total:
Prov: TV: 19 games:
Wai: 16 games (4 pts)
Others: 1 game

Total: 36 games (4 pts)