My life in sport: Mark Hooper

Ponsonby captain Mark Hooper with the Gallaher Shield, the trophy his team have won six seasons in a row. Photo / Dean Purcell

Shock! Horror! Scoop! Ponsonby failed to win the Gallaher Shield.

Just kidding, troops ... of course.

Finding a team capable of wresting the famous symbol of club rugby supremacy away from the mighty Ponies is like locating an Auckland train running on time.

The blue and black hoops capped an unbeaten season by crushing University 30-5 in the final at Eden Park, their sixth consecutive title and 42nd in all.

Leading Ponsonby was hooker Mark Hooper, who has been involved in the last five finals. The 30-year-old beverage dispensing industry worker, a Ponsonby player since his childhood, takes a few questions from the Herald.

Six consecutive titles - it's said to be a national record. You must be very proud.It's a great source of pride - huge. We were definitely out to win it again, but going through unbeaten wasn't something we considered. We do go out to win every match of course, especially at home. We defend the Fred Allen trophy every home game which means there is a lot on the line. Fred Allen was there for the game against Marist this season.

Toughest moment this season?

Against University at Colin Maiden Park. It was pouring and we only got over them 6-0 in the mud. It was a bit like the old days. We had games like that against East Tamaki and Papatoetoe which ended up quite close. I don't really enjoy those sorts of games - we enjoy dry tracks.

What is it about Ponsonby which brings so much success?

It has a lot to do with people behind the scenes like [All Black great and club rugby director] Bryan Williams. A lot of famous people who wore the jumper are still around - they definitely tell you you're only looking after that jumper before handing it on one day. In some ways, it is the Ponsonby motto.

Beegee - what a legend. He's Mr Ponsonby isn't he?

Definitely. He doesn't have much involvement with the team, but elsewhere he does so much. You always see him floating around the club - it's outstanding. There are a lot of older guys, like Peter Fatialofa and Joe Stanley, involved. I used to watch the seniors when I was a kid, when the likes of Va'aiga Tuigamala and Olo Brown were playing. They'd play Marist who would have Zinzan Brooke and Terry Wright - those were the days when All Blacks came back to their clubs.

Did you have a hero as a kid?

Olo Brown was definitely one, being in the frontrow. I was always in the frontrow - I moved from prop to hooker. I don't have the speed for anywhere else.

Did you ever aspire to a provincial or professional career?

Not any more, but I once did. We definitely have young players who I believe can go further. I was never that close to making it - I wasn't fully breaking into the premier squad as a youngster so to go higher was out of reach. I always felt I was not quite up to that standard. But I've loved being in the club scene. I'm allowed one more season, according to my family.

Do you have a major career ambition left?

To play 100 games for the premiers. I'm on 92. And to score a few more tries. I've only scored about five in all that time.

Favourite venue?

Western Springs. The surface is well looked after and it just feels comfortable when we play there.

Are Ponsonby targeted by other teams?

I'm sure we are. As an example, East Tamaki were getting beaten comfortably in all games, but we only tipped them over about 11-0. We feel that a lot of teams believe they can make their whole season just by beating us. Everyone wants to knock off the champs.

What's your proudest achievement?

Being able to captain a quality side and having the chance to play for the premiers, especially since I've been part of the club since I was a kid.

Worst moment?

Losing to East Tamaki in 2006. It was a big upset, the first time they had beaten us. Every time we are out there it gets brought up. They're a good side, a good club, so it's great. No matter if they lose, they still remind us.

What's one thing you would like to see more of in club rugby?

More rep players coming back. We do have people who come back, like Ali Williams and Paul Williams. The juniors especially enjoy seeing players like that. Ali had almost a full season with us when he was in trouble with the Blues under David Nucifora. Ali is a good man and was just one of the boys.

Is club rugby in a healthy state?

Not as healthy as it has been. A lot of players leaving school try to get professional contracts and don't spend time learning their trade in the club game. Maybe that is a difference with Ponsonby - a lot of guys have been around a long time and we try to pass things on to players coming through.

Will the Ponsonby squad hold together for next season?

We do have an older squad, a lot are pushing 30. We usually lose one or two, but generally stick together.