Fresh Faces and Familiar Legends: Strengthening the Canterbury Rugby Board for 2025 and Beyond!

We are thrilled to announce the appointment of some new and returning faces to our Board of Directors following the recent Annual General Meeting (AGM).

Christchurch City Councillor James Gough joins the ranks as an Independent Director. With deep roots in our community, James brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong business background. He has held several board appointments including the Canterbury District Health Board and chair of Venues Ōtautahi. He has also been heavily involved in a number of local charities; Keep Christchurch Beautiful, the Bone Marrow Cancer Trust and the Canterbury Earthquake Children’s Trust to name just a few.

Returning, Natasha Wong brings her experience back to the boardroom. Natasha’s rugby pedigree and contribution to the sport is immense both on and off the field. On the field she donned Red & Black 75 times between 1988 and 1998 and represented New Zealand at the inaugural Womens Rugby World Cup in 1991. Off the field, she served as manager of the Canterbury Farrah palmer Cup team, winning three national titles during her tenure. In 2018 Natahsa was the first woman to be appointed to the Canterbury Rugby Board.

With John Stanley commencing his tenure as president, Canterbury Rugby great and Crusader number 1, Stu Loe, takes up the role of vice-president. Like Natasha, Stu’s rugby pedigree speaks for itself. With 122 Canterbury Caps and 26 Super Caps to his name, Stu also represented New Zealand at Colts level, has played for the Hurricanes and finished out his rugby career with West Coast.

Newly appointed Board Chairman, Mike Lay, is excited to welcome the wealth of experience and deep knowledge of both the game and the community these individuals will bring to the board table. “We’re incredibly pleased to welcome James, Natahsa and Stu as officers of Canterbury Rugby. Each of them brings a strong connection to the game, a wealth of knowledge, and a genuine passion for rugby in our region. Their experience and fresh perspectives will be invaluable as we continue to build on Canterbury’s proud legacy and look toward the future of our game.”

Lay also recognised the significant contribution departing board member Stu Boon has made during his 14 years on the Canterbury Rugby Board. “Stu has been a corner stone of Canterbury Rugby for many years. His contribution to not only Canterbury but also Ellesmere Rugby has been immense. His presence around the board table will be missed but I have no doubt Stu won’t be hanging up his boots and will continue to contribute to the sport he is so dedicated to for years to come.”

As we get stuck into the 2025 season we also look forward to an exciting future with these additions bolstering Canterbury Rugby’s governance to ensure continued success on and off the field."

The Officers of Canterbury Rugby

President - John Stanley
Vice President - Stuart Loe

Board Members

Chairman - Mike Lay (Independent Director)
Deputy Chairman – Brent Goldsmid (Appointed Director)
Peter Winchester (Appointed Director)
Ken Pope (Appointed Director)
Tim Ryley (Appointed Director)
Valentine Tauamiti (Appointed Director)
Natasha Wong (Co-Opted Director)
James Gough (Independent Director)
Di Humphries (Independent Director)
TBC - emerging director