Sir Brian James Lochore, ONZ, KNZM (1999), OBE (1970)

Sir Brian Lochore, born 1930, has made a significant contribution to the sport of rugby as a player, coach, and administrator at both a national and international level. He made his All Black debut in 1963 and went on to play 25 tests for New Zealand; 18 as Captain, with just three losses, and scored 21 points.

He became Coach of the Wairarapa-Bush Rugby Team in 1980, was appointed an All Black Selector in 1983, and was the All Black Coach from 1985 to 1987. As Coach, he led the team to win the inaugural World Cup in 1987.

He has also held a variety of overseas and New Zealand coaching assignments, including coaching the Overseas Unions at the International Rugby Board Centenary in 1986. He was appointed the All Black Campaign Manager for the 1995 World Cup, assisted with the New Zealand Rugby Football Union’s player negotiations following the establishment of the game as professional, and led the Committee to improve the National Provincial Championship Competition.

He was Chairman of the New Zealand Sports Foundation’s High Performance Committee from 1998 to 1999. He was appointed a Trustee of the Halberg Trust in 1992 and was a Member of the Hillary Commission and was appointed Chairman in 1999. He has also been involved in other sports. He was a Wairarapa Tennis Representative and competitor at the annual New Zealand Masters Games and was also a National Selector for netball.

He was awarded the SPARC Leadership Award in 2005 in recognition of his outstanding contribution to New Zealand sport, not only as a player, but also for his roles in coaching and sports administration.

Sir Brian has also been active in many farming organisations, including the Meat and Wool Boards Electoral Committee, the Manawatu-Wairarapa Stud Breeders Association, and the New Zealand Romney Association. He was Chairman of the Wairarapa College Board of Trustees, Commissioner of Kuranui College, and Member of the Wairarapa Sports Foundation and the Tararua Foundation.