Thank you, Henry Speight

“I want to thank you, the club and the supporters so very much. My time with the Eagles is something I hold very close to my heart and the memories will be with me forever.” Henry Speight to the Eagles administration, May 2019.

This weekend on Saturday 15 June, Henry plays his first home game at GIO since announcing his move to Brisbane for a 2-year deal with the Reds. The Eagles are planning a big #TurnupforHenry at the stadium, and will be parading a special banner, and wearing afro wigs as a tribute to the great man.

Many special people have come through the Eagles front gate, few as special as Henry Speight. In 2011 the Fijian flyer came to the Brumbies and won the hearts of many Canberrans and in particular the hearts of the Red & Black rugby club in North Canberra.

In a touching message to the Eagles prior to the public announcement, Henry informed the club of his new contract and gave a sincere thanks and farewell.

“To put it frankly, as hard as it is for me to say; I will be finishing up at the Brumbies at the end of this season, and have signed a 2 year deal with the QLD reds.

“This has been the toughest decision I have made during my rugby career. My partner Louise and I will be first time parents soon and the security of a two year contract is very valuable to us.

“Family is everything to me. My brother and sister live in Brisbane, as well as my young niece and nephew and to be close to them and have their support at this time is also such a blessing.

“I want to thank you (Eoghan O’Byrne, Tim Davis, Trent Pollard), the club and the supporters so very much. My time with the Eagles is something I hold very close to my heart and the memories will be with me forever.

“I’ll still be coming down to training and to support the players whenever I can over the next few months and look forward to cheering them on now, and always.

“Thanks again for the warm welcome I always receive and the community that the Eagles has contributed heavily in building for me here in Canberra.”

Gungahlin Eagles President Eoghan O’Byrne speaks on behalf of the playing group, volunteers, sponsors, friends, and family of the club when he gives a resounding thanks to Henry.

“Firstly, we are so pleased for Henry and Louise to have such a great opportunity to continue his playing career in Australia and live closer to his family prior to the delivery of their first child,

“Henry has touched everyone at our club and leaves a remarkable legacy in Canberra as someone who gave their all for our sport,

“In 2014 he was crowned the Eagles Peter Fox clubman of the year, for his efforts toward promoting our rugby program, developing players of the junior and senior club, and being at The Nest on many Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays to run water and cheer the players on.

“He’s been a loyal servant to our club and has inspired many Eagles young and old. Henry embodies the Eagles core values of Respect, Passion, Discipline, and Loyalty.

“Thank you, Henry Speight. We look forward to cheering you on for the remainder of this Super Rugby campaign, as well as your rugby career and life with your growing family.”

Take a trip down memory lane with Henry at the Eagles…

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