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Grandkids of AB's legend make debut at Akl's oldest rugby club

The club has produced more All Blacks than any other across the country. (Source: 1News)

All Black great Sir Bryan Williams is watching his legacy continue at his local club - the Ponsonby Ponies.

The then 19-year-old blistering winger was called up from the Ponsonby Rugby Club into the national side for a tour of South Africa in the 70s — and he's one of many the Ponies have produced.

In fact, the club has churned out more All Blacks than any other rugby club in the country, and third-highest number of Black Ferns.

"I'm been coming down to the club since 1960," Sir Bryan told 1News. "It's a family club, so many families have come through the club and cherish it".

Sir Bryan, also known as Beegee, now gets to enjoy watching his legacy continue.

His brothers and sons, Gavin and Paul, all played in the blue and black hoops, while three of his grandkids made their debut this weekend as the club celebrates 150 years of existence.

Gavin said his dad is an institution at the ground.

"He's often said he loves rugby and rugby's loved him back, and what more than at Ponsonby Rugby Club".

The club grounds and facilities were badly damaged in the 2023 floods, requiring extensive repairs and a temporary relocation.

"Last Anniversary Weekend about 600mls of mud and slush went right through the club-rooms so everything had to be ripped out, we were devastated," Williams said.

Just over a year on, the refurbished facility is playing host to a huge number of Easter weekend events including an Old Boys game at 3pm on Sunday.

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