Auckland Rugby Announces New Patron, Life Members and Board Appointments
Auckland Rugby has announced the appointment of a new Patron, the election of two new Life Members, and the confirmation of three new Directors to the Auckland Rugby Union Board, following its Annual General Meeting.
Auckland Rugby is proud to appoint Rob Fisher ONZM as its new Patron, recognising a lifetime of exceptional service to the game at club, provincial, national and international levels.
Rob’s rugby journey began at Auckland University RFC in 1962, where he progressed through all grades to the Senior side. He later served the club and the Auckland Rugby Union in governance roles, becoming Chair of Auckland Rugby in 1990 and leading significant reforms that shaped the Union’s modern governance structure.
Nationally, Rob was a member of the inaugural New Zealand Rugby Board and served as Chair of New Zealand Rugby from 1997 to 1999. Internationally, he represented New Zealand on the International Rugby Board and became its first elected Vice-Chair during rugby’s transition to professionalism. Rob continues to chair the New Zealand Rugby Appeal Council and is a Life Member of New Zealand Rugby, Auckland Rugby and Auckland University RFC. In 2011, he was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sport.
Auckland Rugby is delighted to welcome Sir John Kirwan and Stuart Mather as newly elected Life Members, recognising their outstanding and enduring contributions to rugby in Auckland.
Sir John Kirwan played for Marist before debuting for Auckland at just 18. He went on to play 142 games for Auckland during its golden era, becoming a central figure in the province’s Ranfurly Shield dominance.
Sir John earned 63 All Blacks test caps and his post-playing career has included international and Super Rugby coaching, media commentary, and tireless advocacy for mental health. He is a member of the New Zealand and World Rugby Halls of Fame and was knighted for services to rugby and mental health.
Stuart Mather has contributed nearly 40 years of service to Auckland Rugby across playing, coaching, administration and governance. A former Auckland B representative, Stuart transitioned into coaching and management roles across multiple grades, both at club and representative levels.
Stuart has held numerous governance positions, including Chair of Auckland Rugby (2018–2023), Director (2016–2023), and Chair of the Council of Delegates. His service has also extended nationally through board positions with the Blues and New Zealand Rugby. From grassroots involvement to provincial and national leadership, Stuart’s lifelong commitment to the game makes him a thoroughly deserving Life Member.
Auckland Rugby also confirms the election of three new Directors to its Board: Huriana Manuel, Grant Hansen and Cameron Taylor.
Huriana Manuel brings an exceptional athlete and community perspective. A former Auckland Storm and Black Ferns dual international, Olympian, and World Rugby Hall of Fame inductee, Huriana combines high-performance experience with strong leadership credentials. She has served as a NZRPA Board Player Representative, is a NZ Olympic Ambassador, and is a graduate of the NZOC Wāhine Toa Leadership Programme. As a business owner and community leader, Huriana offers valuable insight across both grassroots and elite rugby, particularly for women, Māori and Pasifika communities.
Grant Hansen brings more than 35 years of leadership experience across education and rugby. Currently Deputy Headmaster at St Peter’s College, Grant has coached and advised at all levels of the game, including New Zealand Secondary Schools, Auckland representative teams and the Black Ferns, contributing to their 2010 Rugby World Cup victory. His strategic leadership, coaching expertise and deep understanding of player pathways will be a significant asset to the Board.
Cameron Taylor offers extensive governance and commercial expertise, alongside elite sporting experience as a former Olympian. Cameron served as Chair of Athletics New Zealand for over a decade and brings strong financial, legal and risk management capability through his professional background as a corporate partner at EY and Minter Ellison Rudd Watts. His experience navigating complex member-based organisations will strengthen Auckland Rugby’s governance and strategic oversight.
Auckland Rugby also acknowledges and thanks Chris Fairburn and Andy Roberts, who did not seek re-election after each serving seven years on the Board. Their commitment, leadership and contribution during a period of significant change for the game are sincerely appreciated.
