Frank did it his way
Reliving memories: Frank Hubert, with wife Jennet, will be honoured at a 40-year reunion of rugby mates
Former St. Peter’s College cricketer, rugby player and referee Frank Hubert will be feted at a special 40-year celebration at the Havelocks Sports Club on April 4. Hubert will be the guest of honour at the reunion hosted by the players of the 1984 Peterite rugby team he coached – the team that laid the foundation for a famous win over Trinity in 1985, for the first time in 44 years.
The talented all-round sportsman of that golden era will be in Colombo to attend the 50-year reunion of St Joseph’s and St Peter’s teams that played in the very first schools limited overs one-day cricket match in 1975. Hubert was vice-captain in that game and captained the rugby team in the same year.
He took over coaching of the Peterite team in 1982 after the death of the legendary Archibald Perera. He continued to coach until 1985 when he sought to chase new goals in the Middle East. Hubert played for Havelocks from 1975 to 1981, captaining in 1980. He had represented Sri Lanka at the Hong Kong Sevens in 1978. He qualified as an accredited referee in 1979 and officiated at games in Thailand, Hong Kong, and Sri Lanka. Frankie, as he is affectionately known, said he was proud of what he had achieved on the sports field.
“I feel honoured that the boys I coached and played with have chosen to pay me this tribute,” said Hubert, who resides in England.
The function, starting at 6.30p.m., will also be attended by the members of the 1981 Havelocks team that scooped the pool of trophies in club rugby.