Steve Brown Calls it a Day

In all sports there comes a time when the body is tired, bruised and ready for a rest unless, of course, when we are talking about wheelchair rugby. That’s normally the starting point. But after 13 years Canterbury Hellfire’s Steve Brown has decided it’s time to hang up the wheelchair equivalent of his playing boots

Steve told us “After a lot of reflection, I have decided to step down from my role on the Canterbury Rugby Club coaching team. Having been part of the setup since 2012, this is not an easy decision at all, but with growing work commitments and a young family, I simply can’t give the time and energy that the role deserves. Too many times over the past months I’ve had to cancel last minute due to work deadlines, personal reasons and family issues, it’s not fair on anyone.

Canterbury has been a huge part of my life for more than a decade. Week in, week out, the club has given me a sense of belonging and pride that’s hard to put into words. It’s been an honour not only to coach, but to be part of the wider Canterbury family and everything it represents. Alongside Jonathan Marsh, I’m incredibly proud of what we built, and I’ll never forget the moments we’ve shared—winning leagues at home and abroad, lifting national titles, and helping create a pathway for players to go on and achieve at the very highest level.

The club has some truly fantastic players who are going to go far, and watching them grow as athletes and as people has been one of the greatest privileges of my life. In fact, I can honestly say that being part of Canterbury has made me a better person. The friendships, the lessons, and the memories will always stay with me.

Although I am stepping back from coaching, I will always carry Canterbury with me. I’ll be on the sidelines cheering the team on, and I’m still more than happy to help in any way I can if the club ever needs me.

Thank you for trusting me, supporting me, and allowing me to be part of this incredible journey since 2012. It’s been more than just rugby — it’s been family.”

We wish Steve well and thank him for all his efforts getting Hellfire to where it is today.