Thanks to everyone who nominated the CRFC Player of the Century. There were lots of entries but five players stood out, plus one that I thought deserves recognition. The only option was to have multiple winners in different categories, a bit like the Oscars. Here goes …

⭐ INTERNATIONAL Player of the Century (PAST)⭐
Playing at the highest level and representing your country must be a consideration for Player of the Century.
Our club has had many of these in the early years including Rev Tom Hollingdale (Wales, 6 caps), Dr John Steeds (England, 4 caps) and Don Bland (England, 5 caps).
The winner of the International PoC (Past) is Dr ALFRED FELL who played for Scotland 6 times in1901-1903. He effectively founded our club, and was Colchester President in 1925-39 and 1946-48 - nearly a quarter of our centenary.
Born in New Zealand, he studied medicine in Edinburgh before moving south, and is the reason Colchester plays in All Black.

⭐ INTERNATIONAL Player of the Century (PRESENT)⭐
More recent internationals include Simon Wright (England Students), Bernie Rhodes (Ireland Schools), Ben Acton (England Students), Ben Kelland (England Students), Assunter Debiase (England Women) and Beth Blacklock (Scotland Women). Plus Steve Haycock who won one cap for Malta.
The winner of International Player Of The Century is RICHARD ACLAND. Richard played for England Schools and England Colts in the 1980s. He then had a career break before coming back to play for the 1st XV for many years. A very modest guy, he only recently let it slip that he’d represented England EIGHTEEN times.

⭐ BIGGEST CONTRIBUTION Player of the Century ⭐
This went to ROY ABREHART who started playing in the all-conquering Fitz’s Colts in the early 80s. Roy then dabbled with Saracens (including a game against very angry Brian Moore on Rugby Special), came back, played and captained for many years.
He then switched to coaching guiding the A XV to Suffolk Cup victory in our Centenary season. He has been coming up to CRFC three times a week for over 40 years. Big thanks to his understanding wife Tina!

⭐ OVERSEAS Player of the Century ⭐
There was one clear winner here, with most nominations by a long way. This was partly due to the poll ‘going viral’ thanks to friends and family! The winner of Overseas Player of the Century was BRETT CUTBUSH.
Brett has been around for a long time, was a brilliant player, and is now passing on his knowledge and passion as a coach to seniors and Iceni. A worthy winner and lots of quotes on CRFC 100.

⭐ FIRST XV Player of Century ⭐
There were several contenders here, all in the forwards of course! Ollie Picket was a worthy runner up, but the First XV Player of the Century went to DANNY WHITEMAN. Danny started playing for CRFC aged six and hasn’t stopped.
He’s played every year since, always at 1st XV level, played every position. He has captained and coached too. Still going strong with the 1s back in the National Leagues next season, he is almost indestructible.

⭐ LONGEST SERVICE Player of Century ⭐
Last but certainly not least is the person who has played for our club for SIX decades. MORPH, also known as MARK SCARF started in the Junior Colts in 1979. He has played almost every Saturday ever since, over the past 45 years.
As indestructible as he is offside, he is the first and almost certainly the only, person to have ever played over 1,000 games for our club. A statue would be worthy recognition but we can’t afford the bronze needed for his teeth.