Sir Brian Lochore Takes Sparc Leadership Award

Sir Brian Lochore Takes Sparc Leadership Award At The Halbergs’

Sir Brian Lochore has been awarded the SPARC Leadership Award at the Halbergs’ in recognition of his outstanding contribution to New Zealand sport both on the field, and for his roles in coaching and sports administration.

The award is given annually by SPARC to one outstanding sportsperson whose service to sport inspires New Zealanders with a vision, shows integrity and provides leadership which is effective, focused and inspiring.

Sir Brian Lochore said, “I’m totally humbled by this honour. It’s one of those things you never expect when you’re involved in sport and doing something you enjoy, and enjoy being with the people involved in whatever game you’re playing.”

SPARC chairman John Wells said that Sir Brian Lochore personified what it meant to be a great leader.

“Sir Brian Lochore has played, captained and coached at elite level and has also given back to the community by sharing his knowledge and experience at grass roots level,” Mr Wells said.

“SPARC is delighted to acknowledge Sir Brian for all he has done and continues to do within the sector. He is a truly great leader and an inspiration to us all,” he said.

Sir Brian Lochore was an All Black loose forward from 1963 to 1971 and one of New Zealand’s most successful captains from 1966 to 1970. He coached the Wairarapa-Bush team to first division and then took over the reigns as coach of the All Blacks in 1985. In 1987, he coached the All Blacks to victory in the inaugural Rugby World Cup. Then in 1995, he was appointed campaign manager for the All Blacks’ World Cup bid that year.

Sir Brian Lochore is a former chairman of the Hillary Commission and a former board member of the New Zealand Sports Foundation. Honoured with an OBE in 1970, he was knighted in 1999. He is a trustee of the Halberg Trust.

He has also been involved in other sports, including tennis which he played at regional level.

The award was presented by former All Black captain and past Rugby Union president, Andy Dalton.

Last year’s winner was former Olympic great, Ian Ferguson.

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