Dear Nick, or Snap
This is not an easy letter to write after hearing the news today that you will be leaving Quins at the end of the season. So many memories, so many magic moments, too many to mention…
It’s been 18 years since you joined us from the Auckland Blues, and so much has happened since then. You came as a player, and left as a coach – but you are so much more than that to us Quins fans. You are a member of the family, and will always be welcome in this part of London.
Highlights from a stellar career
Before joining us at Quins, you had won 16 caps for the All Blacks, played in the 2007 World Cup and scored 103 international points.
The first highlight we will remember is your winning touchline conversion of Camacho’s late try to win the Amlin Cup in 2011, Quins’ last european trophy. (We did reach the final a few years later, but less said about that the better…)
The next season, you scored 20 points as Quins secured the Premiership Final in 2012 over Leicester Tigers,after we topped the league as well. In that game, you equalled the record, at that time, for the most conversions in a Premiership final by one player with six.
As a player, you made 208 appearances…and scored a huge 2,249 points, a club record. You also became our highest scoring overseas player in PREM History, when you retired from playing.
You made as much of an impact as a coach, as you did as a player. In 2021, as our attack coach, you guided us to the Premiership title, and became a league winner as a play and a coach, the only one at Quins. You have developed some great players, including Marcus Smith and your reputation got you a position as England’s attack coach under Steve Borthwick.
Final words…
You say in your statement, that you feel hugely grateful and honoured to have worn the shirt…I promise you, it is us who should feel honoured to have you grace the Stoop throughout your career.
Thank you Nick…for everything. Your legacy will remain with us for years to come.
From all Quins fans
