Jerram's now a different sort of vet
17th May 2010 10:14AM
PAST HEROES - AARON GOILE - Waikato Times
Richard Jerram will be remembered for his time in the successful Waikato forward pack, but his delicate acts off it are of as much significance. The former blind-side flanker is now living in Auckland and has continued working as a vet, now specialising in surgery for cats and dogs.
The 45-year-old worked in Waikato after studying at Massey University, and played 106 games for the province from 1988 to 1994.
Since those days he spent time in the USA, doing post-graduate training at Texas A&M University, and has been with Veterinary Specialist Group in Auckland since 2000.
Jerram and wife Carron (former Silver Fern netballer) live in Takanini with their four children Marcia, 13, Cameron,12, Tyler, 10 and Braden, 8.
Sport is a big part of his kids' lives now and the four of them keep Jerram busy outside of work.
"Funnily enough the sport the kids are all into is cricket," he said.
"I've never played the game but it's become quite big in our house."
The older three have made representative sides and Jerram has even taken to coaching some of their teams.
Marcia also plays netball and is involved in cycling and triathlon, Tyler and Braden play rugby, and Cameron has reverted to soccer.
After scoring 28 tries in his time in the red, yellow and black, Jerram looks back on a lot of fond memories, with two seasons standing out.
"Clearly the two main highlights for me were '92 winning the NPC and then '93 beating Auckland at Eden Park to win the Ranfurly Shield, it doesn't get much better than that," he said.
There was also a trip to Canada in 1989 which he recalls was great fun, and the team unity was a major feature.
"We had such an experienced team that was very close. It was probably the greatest team you could be in as far as everyone getting on and working towards a common goal.
"The Waikato region, I wouldn't say it's a powerhouse of rugby, it's been about building a team together that actually functions and clicks."
Jerram played his club rugby for Taupiri, captaining the side to a championship win in 1992, and he still keeps a keen eye on how they're performing.
"Every Monday I ... look how Taupiri's done. But unfortunately I haven't seen a huge amount of success for them this year. But it's a small club and a small community and it's hard to stay at that top level."
Jerram still enjoys following the higher levels of the game and particularly enjoys the national provincial championship.
"I wouldn't say I'm an avid follower. I tend to watch bits and pieces, highlights, because there's so many games on on a weekend," he said.
And there's the odd time when Jerram's reminded of what the on-field achievements meant.
"I saw Steve Hansen the other day talking about how New Zealand teams don't maul anymore and Steve Hansen said 'Not like the Waikato teams of the early '90s and I'm thinking, wow that was me, that's what I was part of'."
