Rugby: Former All Black joins Taranaki Rugby board

Three new faces, including former All Black captain Conrad Smith, have joined the Taranaki Rugby Football Union board.

Taranaki Rugby announced the appointments of Amy Williamson, Smith and Tim Stuck, saying the trio would strengthen the governance of the organisation.

Williamson, a Taranaki local, brings financial expertise through her role as head of financial information and insights at TSB Bank.

Stuck is well known within Taranaki rugby circles as a former Yarrows Taranaki Bulls halfback and assistant coach. He is also principal of Francis Douglas Memorial College.

Smith earned 94 Test caps for the All Blacks and has remained involved in the game since retiring. He currently serves as chief of rugby operations for the International Rugby Players Association and is also involved in grassroots refereeing in Taranaki.

TRFU board chair Dan Radcliffe welcomed the appointments, saying the trio would bring a diverse range of skills and experience to the union.

“The appointments of Amy, Conrad and Tim bring some real experience and quality to the Taranaki board,” Radcliffe said.

“All three have a range of diverse backgrounds and experiences from finance through to rugby at the highest level internationally, and we see all three playing critical roles in the development and progression of Taranaki rugby in the coming years.”

The new directors join a board led by Radcliffe and comprising president Kevin Barrett, vice-president Colin Cooper, elected directors Mike Summerell, John Dazley and Nathan Gray, and appointed directors Sarah Mako, Paige Croft and Scott Ireland.