‘My Brumbies Ride’ is a new online series looking at the journeys of the people who have made the club what it is today. It will feature unique stories from fans, members, coaches, players, staff and sponsors - any or all who have had a connection to this proud club since 1996.
My Brumbies Ride #1 – ‘Quinzo’ (Brumby #00)
If there was ever an individual who lived and breathed the phrase ‘Proud to be a Brumby’, it was the late, Garry ‘Quinzo’ Quinlivan – assistant manager, kitman, and club legend.
Quinzo’s rugby life began long before the Brumbies’ inception in 1996. A strong runner, Garry represented St Joseph’s College in the first XV while in school, where he fell in love with the sport. It is rumoured that he still holds the record for the 100-yard dash at the renowned rugby nursery.
His arrival in Canberra meant that a choice had to be made. Western Districts Rugby Club were the lucky beneficiaries of Quinzo’s service for several years, though they weren’t the only club the great man graced.
A move to Japan for work in 1972 ended his time at Wests, and on his return a few years later, a move to Fisher brought with it a new club – Canberra Royals.
It was at the Royals that Garry truly honed his coaching, spending time with both the under-19’s and first-grade sides. His association with Royals lasted for decades – as a player, coach and manager.
Fast forward 20 or so years and Quinzo found himself as manager of the ACT representative side. That was until, in 1996, when a new Canberra club was formed.
To delve further into Quinzo’s legacy, his son, Adam, recalls stories of Quinzo’s early days, including that of the Brumbies first ever training session – which he believes was likely in Cooma – when his father first introduced himself to the club.
“I’m Garry Quinlivan, you guys need me.” Talk about speaking things into existence…
Adam remembers the moment his dad told him he had joined the Brumbies. “I was the proudest young bloke ever.”
It was never a job for Quinzo… quite literally. Despite always being the first one in, and last one out, Garry essentially did the job for free – on a voluntary basis.
When pressed on his father’s favourite players, it becomes apparent the love Quinzo shared for each and every Brumbies player. It is instead memories that stood out in the mind of Garry, with a list of cherished moments nearly as long as his tenure at the Brumbies.
Adam recalls an early memory involving Joe Roff, one of the first Brumbies greats. Following the infamous semi-final win in the 1999 Rugby World Cup over South Africa, Roff presented Quinzo with his match-worn Wallabies jersey.
It was the only time Roff gave a jersey to someone other than family, though in a way, Quinzo was family himself. Adam cited that this familial environment, was what appealed so much to his father. This was further exemplified prior to that 1999 World Cup, when several players in the squad chipped in to cover his airfares to the UK.
It is impossible to talk about fond memories without recalling the Grand Final triumphs of 2001 and 2004. Adam recalls hiring a Toyota Tarago, fitting as many of his mates in as possible and making the trip down to Canberra. It was clear that Quinzo’s love of the Brumbies rubbed off on his family, further evident with the smile plastered on Adam’s face when talking about those trips.
Adam made special mention of Mal Daisley, Laurie Fisher, Phil Thomson, Christian Leali'ifano, Andrew Walker and Stephen Larkham, though could have gone on for hours about those who made his father feel at home at the Brumbies.
One of Garry’s lasting legacies is of welcoming young players from abroad. As recounted by Adam, “he took them under his wing” at a time in their lives they needed it most.
Take Noah Lolesio, who arrived at the Brumbies as a teenager from the Gold Coast. Leaving your family at a young age can prove difficult for anyone, but Quinzo took it upon himself to make the youngster feel at home in the capital.
The stories about Quinzo could stretch for days, but Adam mentioned a few truly stuck in the memory.
As luck would have, the man affectionately known as ‘Old Fart’ would celebrate his birthday while with the team in Durban. As any good friends would, the squad organised a beer for the birthday boy to skol. Little did he know, the glass was ¾ rum topped up with a splash of beer.
Safe to say, the party continued long into the evening.
Then, there is the story of his 70th birthday. Driving to Fyshwick first thing in the morning and branding himself with a Brumbies tattoo right above his chest. The act itself was only second to its reveal, which came during the team song following that week’s victory.
Being awarded the 2020 Nick Farr-Jones Spirit of Rugby Award remained one of Adam’s father’s proudest achievements. His emotional response upon receiving the award tells you all you need to know about Garry Quinlivan.
Fittingly, the service award at the ACT Brumbies is named in honour of Quinzo, a decision which wouldn’t have taken long to make.
The funeral service – held at GIO Stadium in 2023 – showcased the impact he had on the wider rugby community.
Appropriately, timing of this first edition of ‘My Brumbies Ride’ coincides with our ACT Brumbies taking on the NSW Waratahs this weekend, it’s a timely reminder of just how much Quinzo loved beating the Tahs more than any other team.
It would have been remiss to start this series in any other way. After all, Garry ‘Quinzo’ Quinlivan will forever be ingrained in the club’s DNA – with countless people touched by his remarkable journey.
