Nick Cherry learnt his trade at Dunvant Rugby Club in the Welsh valleys of west Swansea. Over the years he had perfected the art of being the most irritating and hated man on the rugby pitch. Nick moved to Brighton in 2005 to study IT at Sussex University which was the same year that Neil McGovern took his first coaching role as 1st XV Head Coach at the University. Having played successfully alongside Alex Finch under Neil McGovern for 3 years, Pete Small and Neil McGovern then asked for Cherry to join The Blues to play club rugby after graduating. Cherry joined The Blues in the season of 2009/10 following a ski season in La Plagne. Since then he has amassed 158 appearances having played all across the back line, predominantly as scrum half. Nick has risen with The Blues from London 3 up to London 1. This rise also included 2 National Cup victories against Dunlop and Bridlington at Twickenham in 2010 & 2013. Nick has crossed the white wash 51 times and also pitched in this season with a penalty bringing his total points tally to 258.

Nick also convinced his younger brother Liam to join The Blues after he returned from traveling. Liam and Nick took to the field many times after Nick became second team captain last season and the brothers memorably both scored hatricks in an epic 2nd team Sussex Cup game. It was also at Brighton Rugby Club where Nick met now wife Bean who was working behind the bar, the pair will move to Salt Lake City where Nick will be working for American Express in their Utah office. Nick is the second Brighton Blue to emigrate is as many years, fellow legend James Lewis moved with his family to Melbourne last year which was documented in Channel 5 show ‘A New Life in Oz’.

We bid farewell to Nick and Bean who have been a huge part of the club over the past 8 years and we wish them all the best in the United States. Lewis Evans timely arrival from Swansea has meant that Lloyd Jenkins will not be a lone Welshman singing bread of heaven in the clubhouse.

Neil McGovern added some words before Nicks tray of drinks was presented on Saturday;
“Welshy has been an integral part of Brighton as a player and a clubman. He has done everything asked of him from a coaching point view and been a pleasure to work with over the past decade. He took on second team captain last season when the Athletic were in need of leadership. He has also made himself available when injuries hit the 1st team earlier this season and helped The Blues get back to winning ways. Thank you for all of your hard work over the years and all the best for the future, enjoy your drinks”