Ex-All Blacks selector Peter Thorburn dies
Former All Blacks selector and North Harbour coach Peter Thorburn has died following a short illness.
Thorburn was the inaugural coach of North Harbour when the provincial union was formed in
1985 and was an All Blacks selector in the mid-1990s and, later, between 2000 and 2001.
He also coached the New Zealand sevens team in the early
1990s.
The North Harbour Rugby Union confirmed his death on social media, stating he died in North Harbour Hospital.
Thorburn also worked at English club Bristol between 2001 and 2003 as a director of rugby and coached the United States national side when it participated in the 2007 World Cup.
‘‘Our thoughts go to the family and friends of Peter who was such an instrumental person in the formation of the Union, but also so respected for more than just his coaching by all rugby people, ‘‘said North Harbour Rugby chairman Gerard van Tilborg said.
‘‘Peter was always an astute thinker around the game. He was inspirational to a huge number of players and coaches creating many original and creative plays which became a hallmark of North Harbour rugby with high entertainment and player flair. He will be well remembered fondly and missed by all who knew him.’’
Thorburn was made a life member of the North Harbour union in 2005.
In 2013 he received the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby.
Thorburn was also an enthusiastic thoroughbred horse owner, who enjoyed great success with the dual Group I winner Calm Harbour, trained by his good mate, the late Noel Eales. Greene Street was another horse to claim two Group I wins for Thorburn.