Bruce Cameron made life member of Bay of Plenty Rugby

Bruce Cameron was awarded a life membership at the Bay of Plenty Rugby AGM. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The awarding of a life membership to Bruce Cameron at last week's Bay of Plenty Rugby AGM was greeted with delight for one of the union's most popular players and administrators.

He becomes just the eighth person to be honoured with a life membership after Dick Littlejohn, Ray Bell, Trevor Albert, Brent Drabble, John Brophy, Bruce Dodge and Matt Te Pou.

Cameron, who has had a long involvement in rugby both playing and governing the game, acknowledged the people and volunteers involved in Bay of Plenty Rugby.

"I want to acknowledge the people of Bay of Plenty Rugby, you are so critical to the future of the game. It is something that I learnt as chairman in 2008.

"Whilst there wasn't any money, what you can't put on the balance sheet is the value of volunteers.

"It has been an enormous privilege to serve you. My interest in the game continues on and I do follow the games and won't be far away. Finally, I want to say to keep it up and it is great to see the women's involvement and that tells us how far we come.

"There are too many to thank. I have a couple of coaches here in the room, along with a number of people I have joined the executive following my playing days and finally, to my club Eastern Districts, thank you."

Bay of Plenty Rugby chief executive Mike Rogers says Cameron's contribution to rugby in the Bay of Plenty has been outstanding.

"This life membership is just a small token of our appreciation for his contribution to our game. It is through the support we receive from individuals such as Bruce that allow us to continue to grow, invest and develop the game we love across the Bay of Plenty."

Bruce Cameron: Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Life Member
1977: East Coast Provincial Squad
1978: Poverty Bay East Coast combined team versus touring British Lions
1978-1988: Bay of Plenty rep 81 games
1978: Bay of Plenty captain
1978: NZ Colts (withdrew injured)
1980: Junior All Blacks
1981: All Blacks trials
1982: Racing Club de France
2008-2012: Bay of Plenty Rugby Union chairman
2008-2012: Chiefs board
2009: Bay of Plenty Times Sportsperson of the Year
2012-2015: NZRU chairman of the rugby subcommittee