16 Facts About Brian Lochore

Sir Brian James Lochore was a New Zealand rugby union player and coach who represented and captained the New Zealand national team, the All Blacks.

Brian Lochore played at number 8 and lock, as well as captaining the side 46 times.

In 1999, Lochore was inducted into the International Rugby Hall of Fame.

Brian Lochore was first educated at Opaki Primary School and then Wairarapa College where he was a member of the 1st XV in 1956.

Brian Lochore played domestic rugby for Masterton and Wairarapa, debuting for both in 1959.

Brian Lochore continued as captain until his retirement from playing in 1970.

Brian Lochore was a Wairarapa tennis representative from 1957 to 1961 and then 1979 to 1980.

Brian Lochore coached Masterton before moving on to coach Wairarapa-Bush in 1980.

Brian Lochore became an All Black selector in 1983 before taking the side to victory in the inaugural World Cup during his coaching tenure from 1985 to 1987.

Brian Lochore continued to be involved in All Black rugby, firstly managing the team in the 1995 World Cup, and later as one of the All Black selectors.

Brian Lochore was an advocate for conservation and was Chair of the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust for eight years from 2003 to 2011, an independent charitable trust that partners with private landowners to protect natural and cultural heritage sites on their land with covenants.

Brian Lochore was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire, for services to rugby football, in the 1970 Queen's Birthday Honours.

The Brian Lochore Cup, contested in New Zealand's domestic competition, the Heartland Championship, is named in his honour.

On Waitangi Day 2007, Brian Lochore was inducted into the Order of New Zealand as an additional member ; the Order of New Zealand is the country's highest honour.

Brian Lochore spared himself, not an ounce working away in the tight-loose, covering, winning us great lineout ball in the deep, backing and filling and playing his part in the rolling drive-and-feed.

In June 2019, Rugby Union chief executive Steve Tew announced Brian Lochore had been diagnosed with bowel cancer.