Former All Black captain, Andy Dalton has been appointed President of the New Zealand Rugby Foundation.

The foundation’s Chief Executive, Lisa Kingi-Bon says Dalton accepted a unanimous vote at the Foundation’s AGM to become President of the respected national organisation which, since 1986, has worked to support seriously injured rugby players and their families.

Andy Dalton says he is honored to be offered the opportunity.

“I am already very familiar with the Foundation’s work and objectives. In picking up the baton from Andy (Leslie) I have a significant act to follow. Andy was part of the inaugural 1st XV in 1986. He has served tirelessly for 37 years.”

The Foundation’s new Chair, Andrew Golightly, welcomed Dalton’s appointment.

“Andy’s reputation and mana will be of great benefit to our ongoing work supporting rugby players who have been seriously injured or suffered near misses.

“It will also help our mahi in the areas of injury prevention, advocacy, and fundraising.”

Golightly was elected unanimously as the new Chair replacing Gerard van Tilborg who has served the Rugby Foundation Board as Chair for the past eight years and welcomed the incoming directors saying:

“I’m delighted to be a part of a board which includes three new directors. Joining our organisation today are Heidi Beech, Ali Williams and Teina Boyd.

“These three highly talented individuals bring a broad raft of rich experience in business, accounting, advocacy, entrepreneurship and of course Ali’s stature as a former All Black.

“I also pay tribute to outgoing directors Kirsten Patterson and outgoing Chair Gerard van Tilborg. Their contributions have been huge and made a real difference.”

Article added: Friday 31 March 2023