A MESSAGE TO YOU RUDI

Just 500 metres from Avery Fields stands George Dixon Academy, a former Birmingham grammar school with a fine rugby tradition. One of the best players to be produced by the school was Rudi Smith who played on the wing for Moseley in the 1970's and early 80's.

Rudi attended George Dixon School from 1962 until 1969 and I recall seeing him play in matches for the school 1st XV as a quick and powerful wing having joined the school in September 1969. Rudi was a pioneering Black player both at school and for Moseley inspiring fellow Black players like Dixonian Colin Osborne who also played for Moseley. Rudi Smith and players like him in the early 1970's paved the way for Black players like England and British Lion's Jerry Guscott and today's generation Lion's and England's Kyle Sinckler and Worcester and England's Ollie Lawrence, who originally came from Bearwood before winning a rugby scholarship to Bromsgrove School.

Rudi's grandson Rudi Devaney plays for Bournville Mini and Junior Under 10's here at Avery Fields. Rudi Junior started in the Under 8's two seasons ago and has attended Bournville RFC Rugby Camps run by Bournville Rugby Community Department since the summer of 2020 with input from England rugby coaches which Rudi Junior loved.

Rudi Junior's idol is former England and Wasps wing Christian Wade who is now trying to break through in the NFL, without - it must be said - much success. Rudi was the captain's mascot for the Wasps v Toulouse European Cup game as a junior Wasps member and met Lions and England's Elliott Daley that day. That is Grandpa Rudi's favourite rugby moment for his grandson so far, but no doubt hopes that Rudi Junior can go on and emulate him on the pitch by playing top class rugby.

Rudi Junior's favourite moment as a Bournville player was meeting England's 2003 World Cup winning captain Martin Johnson at the recent Bournville Rugby Family Fun Day. Born in Solihull, it turns out ‘Johnno's’ favourite local team growing up there in the 1980's was Moseley. The former England captain and coach remembered Rudi Smith as a fine winger for Moseley in the 1980's but his favourite player was Moseley and England number 8 Nick Jeavons - he of the tightest shorts and the rolled down socks!

Above: Rudi Devaney training at Bournville

Images used with kind permission from Olivia Devaney

Back in the 1970's, local West Midlands rugby was extremely strong with Midland Counties West defeating the All Blacks at Moseley's former home, The Reddings, in 1972. That side was mostly made up of Moseley and Coventry players, with Moseley being able to field British Lions Colin McFadyen and John Finlan and Coventry having David Duckham. Indeed, Moseley v Coventry Boxing Day derbies were often like a final England trial with many England internationals playing. Rudi Smith played for Moseley in the 1970's when they were among the top 5 England

Both Rudi's celebrate birthdays in December, with Rudi Senior celebrating his milestone 70th birthday with a party here at Avery Fields using the excellent hospitality services and, later in the month, Rudi Junior will be 10 and no doubt attending a Wasps game as a treat from mum Olivia.

Rudi Smith has spent a lifetime in West Midlands rugby after learning the game just down the road at George Dixon School, playing for Moseley and then coaching Birmingham, Malvern and for a time Coventry with Bournville Rugby and Avery Fields MD Phil Maynard. Rudi Devaney is just starting out on his rugby journey with Bournville Rugby under 10's. Let's hope that Rudi Junior as part of the Bournville Rugby family has just as successful and fulfilling a rugby career as his Grandpa!

Keith Bracey

Story header image: Rudi Smith in action for Moseley

Images used with kind permission from Olivia Devaney