Snow White has propped his final scrum
Andy Dalton sent the following email out at the end of last week and Andy’s words say it all:
It is with sadness that Auckland Rugby has learned our most capped player, ‘Snow’ White, has passed away this morning.
Hallard Leo White, known as Snow, was born on March 27, 1929 in Kawakawa.
The prop played for the Northcote club and debuted for Auckland in 1949. He went on to play 196 times in the blue and white hoops, a record that still stands today and is unlikely to be surpassed.
His All Blacks debut came in 1953. He played 16 matches, including four tests. He later served as President of both the Auckland and New Zealand Rugby unions.
White was a key member of the Auckland team who defended the Ranfurly Shield a record 25 times between 1960 and 1963, that mark only bettered by the Auckland side of the 1980s.
“The fact that Snow is still the most capped Auckland player is a reflection of the durability of the man,” said Auckland Rugby CEO Andy Dalton.
“He was a wonderful gentleman and a great supporter of wider game and community. He was attending Auckland matches he recently as last year.”
On hanging up his boots, he coached at the Northcote club and was assistant coach for Auckland.
Our sincere condolences to Snow’s family and friends
Snow’s funeral is being held today (Wednesday July 20) at Eden Park, ASB Stand at 12 noon. The Barbarian clubrooms will be open after the service.
Test match: All Blacks vs Australia, Saturday October 22
I have received the following advice from Eden Park re: ticketing for this test:
Unfortunately we do not have approval to set up presale for your members, but if you like you can let them know that public sale started Monday July 18 at 9am through Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.co.nz
Upcoming events at Eden Park or future events involving the NZ Barbarians club:
Friday August 26: Auckland v Northland, 7.45pm
Friday September 2 to Sunday September 4: Top 4 tournament, Palmerston North
Saturday September 3: NZ Barbarians Area Schools v NZ Harlequins Under 18 at St Paul’s Collegiate, Hamilton, 1pm
Sunday September 11: Auckland v Waikato, 4.35pm
Sunday September 18: Auckland v Counties Manukau, 2.35pm
Saturday October 1: Auckland v Otago, 7.35pm
Monday October 3: NZ Barbarians Schools v Australia, MAGS, 1.10pm
Thursday October 6: Auckland v Tasman, 7.35pm
Saturday October 8: NZ Barbarians Schools v Fiji, Auckland Grammar, 1.10pm
Saturday October 22: All Blacks v Australia (BC), 7.35pm
Change of CEO at Auckland Rugby
I have received the following press release from Auckland Rugby which will be of interest to many members:
Auckland Rugby Union appoints Chief Executive Officer
The Auckland Rugby Union is pleased to announce the appointment of Jarrod Bear to the position of Chief Executive Officer, replacing Andy Dalton who will retire in 2017.
Bear has a strong commercial background, having worked for DB Breweries for the past 11 years in a variety of sales and marketing positions.
He also has a strong rugby background both as a player and a coach, having played over 200 matches in the Auckland premier club competition and latterly as a coach for teams including the College Rifles RFC premier team.
“I am delighted to have been offered this role,” said Bear. “I believe that this is an exciting time for Auckland Rugby and I am looking forward to the challenge of leading one of New Zealand’s largest and strongest provincial rugby unions,” said Bear.
Auckland Rugby Union Chairman Mike Donovan said the Auckland Rugby Union board was delighted to have found such an outstanding candidate.
“Jarrod’s commercial background and his passion for rugby shone out during the selection process and we look forward to welcoming Jarrod to the organisation in early October.
“I would also like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution Andy Dalton has made to the ARU over the past 10 years as CEO”.
We wish all teams taking part in the Super Rugby finals all the best and well done to Tana and the Blues. You certainly gave the Blues’ supporters something to smile about so something to look forward to next year.
