New Zealand Rugby mourns the passing of NZR Life Member Richard (Dick) Littlejohn

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is remembering Richard (Dick) Littlejohn, former NZRU Council, former All Blacks Manager, IRB (now World Rugby) Hall of Fame inductee, Steinlager Salver Award recipient, NZR Life Member and respected member of the rugby whānau, following his passing on Monday 12 September, aged 91.

With near on 73 years of service to the game of rugby, Littlejohn served on the NZR Council from 1981-1988, as the All Blacks Manager from 1984 to 1985, followed by Director of the Board of the Rugby World Cup in 1987.

The longest serving member of Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, Littlejohn served on the Union’s Board for 26 years, including 12 as President and two as Chair. His experience in both the amateur and professional era of rugby will be missed.

NZR Chair Stewart Mitchell said "We have lost a respected member of New Zealand rugby. Dick’s contribution to our national game has been immense, from his union administration in the early days right through to the professional era we are in today.

"New Zealand Rugby, the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, and all of us, have lost a huge contributor, and great character."

Rest in peace Richard (Dick) Littlejohn.

Richard (Dick) Littlejohn – Rugby Achievements:

BAY OF PLENTY RUGBY UNION (BOPRU)
1963-73: BOPRU Executive
1974-86: BOPRU President
1987-89: BOPRU Chairman
1990: Honoured with BOPRU Life Membership
2008: Took over as BOPRU Patron (with the passing of Eric Pinker)

NEW ZEALAND RUGBY UNION (NZRU)
1981-88: NZRU Council
1984-85: All Blacks Manager (To Australia, Fiji & Argentina)
1987: Director of the Board of Rugby World Cup Ltd
2011: Inducted into the International Rugby Board (now World Rugby) Hall of Fame
2014: NZRU Steinlager Salver Award for outstanding Service to Rugby
2018: Honoured with NZRU Life Membership