Former All Black Coach Sir Graham Henry, has been appointed as a Patron of the New Zealand Rugby Foundation.

Rugby Foundation Chief Executive, Lisa Kingi-Bon today announced, post the Annual General Meeting, that Henry had accepted an invitation to become a Patron for the respected national organisation which, since 1986, has worked to support seriously injured rugby players and their families.

Henry will join All Black great, Richie McCaw, who is already a Patron.  The Foundation’s charter was amended last year to allow, for the appointment of more than one Patron.  

Last year the late Sir Colin Meads nominated Richie’s appointment.

Of his appointment, Henry said “I’m honoured to be offered this opportunity – I am already very familiar with the Foundation’s work and objectives, in assisting our seriously injured players and their families to carry on with their lives, education and businesses – this role provides a great opportunity for me to support the rugby and wider community, which has supported me and my rugby career over the years”.

Foundation Chairman, Gerard van Tilborg, welcomed Henry’s appointment saying “Graham’s reputation and standing in the community will be of great benefit to our ongoing work and goals of supporting our rugby players who have been seriously injured. We’re absolutely delighted that he has agreed to join our ranks”.