“These people have given the rugby community service over and above what was expected.
“It was a really moving and special night. It was fantastic that the nominees were able to thank their friends and family, and it was great to be able to recognise them and thank them for their service to the Bay.”
Poverty Bay Rugby Football Union chief executive Ray Noble was impressed by the turnout.
“We had 56 people attend our AGM on Tuesday night — the most since I have been at the union,” Noble said.
“The majority of them were there to celebrate and acknowledge the four life members who were inducted. It is hard to measure the impact each life member has had on rugby locally.
“It has been massive.”
Crosby was nominated by OBM for a distinguished service award. He he has been club captain of OBM for the best part of 26 years.
His passion for the game found an outlet in his work with the Poverty Bay Legends.
He has organised games against the Legend teams of other provinces and kept the concept alive in this district through his dedicated behind-the-scenes work.
Recognition is not on Crosby’s mind . . . “the love of the game” drives his enthusiasm.
“I’m passionate about rugby and all that goes with it,” he said.
Receiving the membership was a “huge honour”, but Crosby has not finished yet.
“This was unexpected, because I still have plenty to give and still will.
“It’s a massive privilege not just for me, but my family.”
Watching the growth and being a part of rugby in Poverty Bay are not the same thing, yet Karen Bryant has done both.
In 20 years of service to the union, she has seen Poverty Bay go from the third division to the Heartland Championship, make Ranfurly Shield challenges, host Namibia for the Rugby World Cup 2011, stage Hurricanes pre-season games and host camps, welcome All Black visits and even stage a secret Six60 concert.
“I’ve worked for the union for a long time and I have enjoyed every minute of it,” Bryant said.
“I’m incredibly privileged to be given this honour and very humbled by it. I love the people I meet and learning about the rich history of Poverty Bay rugby.”
The first Poverty Bay Rugby Distinguished Service Award was given out over 20 years ago and Jimmy Whaitiri was the recipient.
Whaitiri has a long list of achievements, including Lee Bros Shield success as a coach and a spell as coach of the Bay side.
“I was lucky, I got a chance to be the Poverty Bay coach,” Whaitiri said.
“We were sitting there talking and said ‘the time has gone quick’ but we loved it. I didn’t even realise it because I enjoyed it.”
Whaitiri said it was a great honour to be given life membership, and he said he was going to love being one.
If you have had a cold one at the referees’ bar at Rugby Park, then you need to thank this man.
Hooper has been a part of the match official landscape for over 50 years in Poverty Bay, and has officiated in first class games.
He played for Poverty Bay/East Coast against the Lions in 1959, Australia in 1964 and South Africa in 1965.
Through the years, Hooper officiated in games between Counties and Fiji at Pukekohe, South Africa and Southland, and Poverty Bay and Japan.
He dedicates his triumphs to his family.
“The late Nancy, my wife, and my four sons . . . they kept me going and it was always a challenge to go for a run with the boys,” Hooper said.
“It has all gone by really quickly. I have had great support, especially from my family.”
Hooper said he had enjoyed the whole journey “all the way”.
“When you love something, you’re there for the long haul.”
