Paul Holden

Player: Paul (Pommie Paul) Holden

Position: 5/8, Utility Back!

Club: Box Hill

5 Nations Team: British Lions, Wannabies

Formative Years:

Paul Holden was introduced to rugby at the age of 6. Playing for Trojans Rugby Club in Southampton (Hampshire, UK). From there he played all his junior club rugby up until he was 18. Playing mostly on the wing and at fullback. Winning the Hampshire Cup at various age group levels with Trojans Rugby Club.

At school Paul played age group all the way to the making his school 1st team debut at 16 on the wing, and playing another two years in the first team before moving on to University. During his time at school he represented Hampshire at both Rugby and Cricket at all age group levels through to U21’s.

Whilst at school he also made his first debut for his first senior club, Romsey Rugby Club, playing with Robin Smith former England Cricketer (who was lightning quick and a boot like a Howitzer!) This was a great introduction to senior rugby and a wonderful group of guys who mentored and looked after him.

The Journey Man Years:

Well it was off to University to play for Middlesex University and UCS Old Boys while in London. A season with London Scottish and finishing off with Portsmouth University before graduating in Business Studies.

Paul then decided to travel the world, apparently a cricket tour of the Windies was a good start! But then he got his journey back on track and made it down to Australia, where he played for Melbourne Rugby Club for a season and then moved to SA and played for Brighton Rugby Club for a season. His journey then saw him cross the Tasman and play in NZ at Mt Wellington and then down at Arrowtown in the south Island.

Time to go home so it made sense to get some time at Petaluma Rugby Club in California, and then on to Kalamazoo Rugby club in Michigan then final back to the UK. Apparently it was time to get a proper job!

In London Paul played for Hammersmith and Fulham Rugby Club which has been a home away from home for a few Anzacs in the past (Jeff Reilly being at least one!) then up to Bedford for few seasons playing for Bedford Ath. and Bedford Swifts. During this time he had the chance to play with Junior Paramore and Pat Lam ( in a sevens team).

Journey to Melbourne the Twilight Zone!:

In 2003 Pauls work bought him to Melbourne and a post World Cup celebration beer at Sydney Airport he was recruited into the Box Hill Unquenchables by Chris Peugeot( Chris Andrews, only cost him a beer!) and has never looked back! He enjoys everything the Vic Masters has bought to the table and having lost a substantial amount of weight is now enjoying his rugby even more. Paul is a keen tourist! and has completed a number of tours with Unquenchables and Vic Masters and apparently planning more subject to approval!