Dorgan rugby dynasty continues
South Canterbury product Dan Dorgan has cemented himself as a pivotal part of Christchurch’s aspirations for Metro premier division one honours this season.
With the semifinals looming, the firstfive eighth was again in the driving seat against New Brighton last weekend, kicking well out of hand and at goal and moving up to joint sixth in the Hawkins Medal stakes.
Dorgan, approaching his final year at University of Canterbury, converted two tries and three penalties to remain as the overall points leader in the competition with 147 points.
Each week independent observers award three, two or one points to the best three players in each match to find the Most Valuable Player.
The points leader will be awarded the medal following the semifinals on July 22.
Dorgan played his formative rugby out of Roncalli College in Timaru and represents South Canterbury in the Heartland competition as a player of origin. This is his third season with the Christchurch senior side, having been persuaded to try out from some of the Christchurch loan players in the Heartland competition.
The coaching staff at Christchurch are pleased they did.
Backs attack coach Paul Stewart said: ‘‘Dan’s been super steady this season and stepped up well into the Metro premier competition.
‘‘He seems to always instinctively make the right decision on the field and his kicking is rock solid.
‘‘He’s young in years but he’s got a wise head on him and he makes a real point of staying up to speed with the plays and procedures.
‘‘He works just as hard off the park as on it to read the game.’’
Coach Simon Kneebone believes Dorgan has real potential.
‘‘Having come off injury he’s started the season at the club with a renewed sense of purpose.
‘‘He’s a lot fitter this season and has worked on several elements of his game, adding some tenacious defending to his arsenal.
It’s not really surprising to anyone from South Canterbury where the Dorgan name is synonymous with rugby around Timaru.
Dan’s grandfather, Brian Dorgan (‘Dorgie’), coached at representative level.
His dad Craig played for New Zealand Schools, the New Zealand Colts, trialled for the All Blacks and had 98 caps for South Canterbury.
The apple hasn’t fallen very far from the tree.