THE O'Brien clan are proof that Broughton Park live up to their reputation as a family club.

Kevin is a club stalwart having spent more than three decades with the Chorlton- based side as player and coach.

He has been in charge of the first team for the last three seasons and, with sons Ronan and Ben in the side, cannot afford to let his heart rule his head.

"The squad has more strength in depth this season and with pressure for places it's up to the two lads to prove they're worth their place," insisted O'Brien senior who during his time as a Park player won three international caps as full back for Ireland in the 1980-81 season.

"Deep down I'm their biggest critic but I've got to be fair to every player. I will make comments to the lads but sometimes I have to bite my tongue."

Ronan, now 27, is close to clocking up almost 10 years in the side.

"My brother does get more abuse from me than any other player in the side," he joked. "But we do know each other's game inside out."

Like his brother, 24-year-old Ben graduated through the club's junior ranks.

"Being the winger it's a bit of a nightmare at times, to be honest, because I often don't get the ball as often as I'd like," he said.

And parental support extends well beyond the rugby field.

"Ben and I share a house about a quarter of mile away from our parents in Denton so after every match and training session we drop off our kit to be washed by our mum," confessed Ronan.

The O'Brien brothers will do well to last as long in the game as their father. Now 53, Kevin made three appearances for Park's third team last term and has played every season since he joined the club 35 years ago.

Last weekend, he urged on his side to a 40-27 victory over New Brighton in North West Two after they were 20 points behind at one stage.

"Naturally, as a father I'm very proud that my sons are both playing rugby and I've always wanted to put something back into the club," Kevin added.
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