Rugby stars scrub up for awards

Paddy O'Brien (left) and Justin Marshall at the investiture ceremony in Wellington yesterday. Picture / Mark Mitchell

Elegant Government House is a long way from the mud of a rugby field, but All Blacks halfback Justin Marshall and referee Paddy O'Brien looked the part for their investiture yesterday.

The well-groomed pair received Queen's Birthday Honours at a special ceremony in Wellington.

Both are leaving New Zealand to pursue careers overseas this month so an earlier than usual ceremony was arranged by the Governor-General, Dame Silvia Cartwright.

O'Brien was invested as an officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and Marshall as a member of the order, in recognition of their services to rugby.

"They scrub up well, those two," Sports Minister Trevor Mallard quipped when he spotted the pair wearing smart, dark suits.

Marshall teamed his with a pink spotted tie and winkle-picker shoes.

The England-bound halfback, who grew up in the Southland town of Mataura and worked as a freezing worker, said the honour was a high point on which to leave New Zealand. "To be recognised for what I've achieved in sport was pretty humbling, to be honest.

"Rugby has been a really life-changing experience for me, from where I came from.

"It's shown me the world and given me so many opportunities. It's really been a journey and one that's been fantastic. I'm extremely grateful for it."

O'Brien had a tear in his eye as a list of his achievements was read out in front of his parents, his wife Carolyn, son Hamish, and other family and friends.

He admitted feeling emotional during the ceremony.

"I think it's just the whole culmination of this year, of retirement, of shifting to a new job.

"You don't referee for recognition, but I think this is great for refereeing in New Zealand.

"To be here with Justin Marshall, who I've known since he was playing as a youngster, is just fantastic.

"He's one of the great All Blacks."

Southland-born O'Brien will leave New Zealand for Ireland this month to take up a post with the International Rugby Board.

- NZPA