Graeme Crossman: appointed Patron

Don Thwaites: appointed President

Ron Preston: appointed Vice President

Graeme Crossman has many wonderful memories and achievements throughout his long and distinguished rugby career. This culminated in being selected as an All Black from 1974-76 and playing 19 matches including 4 as Captain.

Crossman was honoured in 2022 as Life Member of Bay of Plenty. Through this time he was President of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union in 2015-2016, and continues as an active member of the Presidents Group which performs a valuable function of connecting with all 38 of the BOP Rugby clubs.

At the 111th Annual General Meeting of Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, held in Taneatua, Crossman was appointed as Patron of the union, taking over from Dick Littlejohn who had filled the role for 14 years, from 2008-2022.

Crossman comments, “I feel very honoured to be appointed as Patron of Bay of Plenty rugby Union. I never came into the game thinking that one day I would receive such an honour. My service to the union and the game of rugby has been built on wanting to give back to the game. I have so many wonderful friends and memories that the game has given me over a very long time and I continue to gain immense enjoyment from rugby. 

Crossman continues, “I acknowledge the wonderful contribution of my predecessor, Dick Littlejohn and the many others passed who have given so much to the game. I do commit to continuing this service as long as I am able.

Graeme also played 36 matches for Bay of Plenty in 35 of which, he was Captain, and was Sole Selector and Coach of Bay of Plenty from 1979-84. His love of the game was nurtured through Eastern Districts Rugby Club in Paengaroa as both a player, coach and administrator.

Ron Preston, was also appointed as Vice President at the AGM, taking over from Don Thwaites who moves into the Presidents role.

Preston, is a legend in the game and one of only 17 players to have reached the 100 game mark, playing for Bay of Plenty from 1980 to 1991. A Maori All Black and Kahukura Rugby stalwart, Ron has been active for his club, Central BOP Sub Union and numerous teams and committees through a long involvement in the game.

Through the Vice President appointment, Ron will join other members of the Presidents Group who provide a strong connection from the union to the stakeholder clubs. This connection improves communication channels and awareness of concerns in the community.

Steve Axtens, who retires after 4 years as Vice President and President, presented both Crossman and Preston with their respective badges in front of an appreciative AGM.

Article added: Wednesday 12 April 2023