Bernard Andrew Addingbrooke “Brooke” Duffy was born in East London on 17 November 1905 and became one of the Border region’s finest all-round sportsmen. Educated in the Eastern Cape, he represented Hamiltons Rugby Club both in East London and later in Cape Town, and his strong, fearless play soon earned him provincial honours for Border, where he made his debut against the 1924 British Lions.

By 1928, Duffy’s consistent performances saw him selected for the Springboks in the first Test against New Zealand in Durban. That match, won 17 - 0 by South Africa, was remembered not only for the emphatic victory but also for the heavy toll it took on the players - Duffy was seriously injured in a collision with All Black wing Bert Greenside, while Bennie Osler was also hurt. Despite his fine form, the injury curtailed Duffy’s international career after just one Test.

Outside rugby, Brooke Duffy was a gifted multi-sportsman - he swam and played water polo for Border and was also an accomplished oarsman. His lifelong commitment to sport continued long after his playing days; he served as President of the Border Rugby Union, helping to strengthen rugby in the region.

He died on 16 March 1958 at the Provincial Hospital in Port Elizabeth, aged 52. Duffy’s sporting legacy extended through his family: his brother Aubrey played for Border, his son Gavin Duffy represented Eastern Province and Natal, and his granddaughter later married the grandson of fellow Springbok Jackie Tindall - linking two rugby families in South African history.