Mourie now life member of NZ Rugby
GLENN MCLEAN
Former Taranaki and All Blacks captain has become a life member of New Zealand Rugby.
Mourie, 70, was nominated for life membership by Taranaki Rugby at the annual meeting of New Zealand Rugby in Wellington last Thursday, when he was duly elected.
‘‘Graham has proved an outstanding sporting ambassador for the country, constantly demonstrating through word and deed the values behind his success, and the respect in which he is held,’’ Taranaki Rugby chief executive Mike Sandle told the meeting.
Mourie, patron of Taranaki Rugby, played 61 matches for the All Blacks, including 57 as captain, between 1976 and 1982.
His on-field achievements included a series win against the British and Irish Lions in 1977, before he captained the All Blacks to a first grand slam in Great Britain and Ireland.
‘‘Yet, perhaps the moment
Graham is respected for most, came in 1981 when, as All Black skipper, he made himself unavailable to play the Springboks at home as a protest against South Africa’s apartheid policies,’’ Sandle said.
‘‘His decision to put his care and concern for others ahead of his great love of rugby attracted much public criticism at the time, but has since been held up as one of the great examples of sacrifice and selflessness in Kiwi sport.’’
Born and raised in Opunake, and educated at New Plymouth Boys’ High School, Mourie debuted for his province in 1975, playing 104 matches before he retired in 1982.
He later became coach of Wellington and the Hurricanes before a lengthy stint on the New Zealand Rugby board between 2002 and 2013, as well as World Rugby’s board between 2008 and 2012.
‘‘Graham’s service and contribution to rugby has been immense both on and off the field,’’ New Zealand Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson said.
‘‘His inspiring leadership, skill and dedication as a player is respected and admired across the world, but he has never forgotten his Taranaki roots and has always been the first to come forward when his services have been called on whether as a coach, administrator or volunteer.’’
Mourie joins Sir Bryan Williams, Richie Guy, Rob Fisher, John Sturgeon, Andy Leslie, Sir Graham Henry, Richard ‘‘Dick’’ Littlejohn and Mike Eagle as current New Zealand Rugby life members.