Bill_Osborne

Bill Osborne

Bill Osborne

Rugby player

For the Australian rules footballer, see Bill Osborne (Australian footballer). For the American football player, see Bill Osborn.

William Michael Osborne (born 24 April 1955) is a former New Zealand rugby union player. A second five-eighth and centre, Osborne represented Wanganui and Waikato at a provincial level. Started his club career with the local Kaierau Rugby Union Club in Wanganui. He was a member of the New Zealand national side, the All Blacks, between 1975 and 1982, playing 48 matches including 16 internationals.[1]

Quick Facts Birth name, Date of birth ...

Post rugby playing career

After retiring from playing rugby Osborne has had a successful business career, including:[2]

He also served on the New Zealand Maori Rugby board. In 2017 he was elected vice-president of New Zealand Rugby Union, later ascending to the president's position.[3] In 2022 he was appointed Chair of the Chiefs Rugby board.[4]

Osborne Taonga

In 2021 a new challenge trophy named after Osborne was announced for the Heartland Championship teams, to follow similar rules to the Ranfurly Shield.[5]

References

  1. [1]
    Luxford, Bob. "Bill Osborne". New Zealand Rugby Union. Retrieved 12 January 2015.
  2. [2]
    "From All Black to business supremo". 3 September 2023.
  3. [3]
    "The winning strategies of New Zealand's rugby All Blacks | McKinsey".
  4. [4]
    "Media Release | Bill Osborne Appointed Chair of Chiefs Rugby Board".
  5. [5]
    "Bunnings Warehouse Heartland Championship introduces the Bill Osborne Taonga and Ian Kirkpatrick Medal - RUGBY HEARTLAND". 11 November 2021.
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