New Zealand Rugby stalwarts Maurice Trapp and Tane Norton both stepped down as directors of the New Zealand Rugby Foundation at it's Annual General Meeting on April 9 at Alexandra Park in Auckland. 

Both former NZR Presidents (Norton 2003 and Trapp 2018) their years of service to the foundation have been incredible. In the mid 90’s, founding Chair and President Sir Russell Pettigrew (dec.) summoned Maurice and Sir John (DJ) Graham and proceeded to instruct them that “you are now Chair and you are now President and I’m stepping back”.  

Former All Blacks captain Tane joined the board in the early 2000’s and has been the solo Christchurch/Burwood presence. His generosity of time has always been huge. There are 14 VIP (very injured players) in Chch and Tane has touched all their lives. In Tane’s closing address he made special mention of the Mothers’ of the injured players and how he loved always being able to “be there” for them and their families. 

 When Richie Guy was NZR Chair (early/mid 90’s) and was in the line of fire from Burwood with a large spike in Spinal Cord Injuries he called on Maurice for advice. Hence the search began to find all rugby players who suffered from these very tough life changing injuries. 

The 'all-player' insurance policy is only in place because of Maurice. He went to Lloyds of London in 1998 and initiated the first policy which was initially owned by the NZRF. In 2002 NZR took over the responsibility of this as they do to date.  Today every registered rugby player in New Zealand is insured.

"What could be a better purpose than to help those, and their families, who have been seriously injured in our game. The Foundation is a vital part of NZ Rugby. It’s been an honour to have had a role within it; and now it’s someone else’s turn." said Trapp

Both were duly appointed Honorary Life Members of the NZRF at the AGM, joining former directors Richie Guy and Colin G Gibbons.

Director Anthony Boric has also resigned due to work pressures and commitments. When he has more time he will re-join the ranks. We are very grateful for the youth and vigour the RWC2011 winning All Back brought to the Boardroom table. 

Rugby Foundation Chairman Gerard van Tilborg announced, post the Annual General Meeting, that we have also ratified onto the Board two new Directors, Andrew Hall and Tanya Black.

Article added: Wednesday 01 May 2019