Rugby greats launch club - Business News
Chiefs legends, administrators and supporters came together at the University of Waikato to celebrate the launch of the Ruakura Rugby Football Club and mark the franchise’s 30-year milestone. The gala dinner held at The Pā drew alumni, sponsors and fans from across Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay and Auckland, with a strong senseRead More
Chiefs legends, administrators and supporters came together at the University of Waikato to celebrate the launch of the Ruakura Rugby Football Club and mark the franchise’s 30-year milestone. The gala dinner held at The Pā drew alumni, sponsors and fans from across Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Hawke’s Bay and Auckland, with a strong sense of pride and history evident throughout the evening. Ian Foster was on a panel with his 1996 coach Brad Meurant and new All Blacks assistant coach Neil Barnes. Photo: Jesse WoodThe club has been established to honour, preserve and celebrate the people and legacy of the Chiefs, with club manager Kent Currie leading the initiative. Currie has previously been involved in establishing the Seddon Cricket Club. The event featured interviews, panel discussions with former players and coaches, and fundraising auctions, while also promoting the newly released Chiefs book He Piko, He Taniwha. Co-written by Tony Johnson and Lynn McConnell, the book documents the history of the franchise as it marks its 30th anniversary. Former Chiefs captains Liam Messam and Sam Cane were announced as patrons of the Ruakura club. Chiefs legends Craig Clarke and Aaron Cruden were on one of the panels. Among those taking part in panel discussions was former Chiefs player and coach Ian Foster, who reflected on the development of players within the franchise. Foster directed his comments to the current coaching group – Jono Gibbes, Roger Randle and David Hill – all of whom he had coached during their playing careers. He said he was proud to see former players continuing their involvement in the game. “It’s great to see guys who have put so much into the jersey carry that through into coaching,” Foster said. Assistant coach Marty Bourke, who represented Bay of Plenty during his playing days, is also part of the current coaching group. The evening highlighted strong connections across generations of Chiefs players and the role the new club will play in maintaining those links. –Jesse WoodSee: Out and About. A sporting celebration. He Piko, He Taniwha celebrates 30 years of the Chiefs franchise. Photo: Jesse Wood