Laurie Mains.
Former All Black coach Laurie Mains was last night
elected to the board of the Otago Rugby Football Union.
He admitted it would not be an easy job and said he wanted to
reconnect with the stakeholders of Otago rugby.
Mr Mains, who ended his connection with Otago rugby at the
end of the 2003 season after a messy falling out with players
and then Highlanders chief executive John Hornbrook, last
night said his election to the board was another rugby
challenge to which he looked forward.
Otago District Health Board chief medical officer of health
Richard Bunton was also elected to the board.
Mr Mains said in his speech at the union's annual meeting
last night - before he was elected to the board - that life
in business and rugby was about being accountable.
"The time is right for me, with the experience and the
knowledge of this game, that I give something back to the
game," Mr Mains said.
"I'm a strong advocate for the new stadium and think it will
be great for the city.
And to do that, the team and Otago must be successful.
"There are no excuses.
"It is not about rugby politics.
It is about Otago rugby survival and regaining our position
as the leading provincial side in the Highlanders province.
"I am a man of action, not a man of words.
"[On] Two occasions I have come along to rescue Otago rugby
and I have done the job with total dedication and commitment.
"Both these times I have been successful and that is the
level of commitment I would bring to the board."
Mr Mains said after the meeting he had not thought about
being chairman and had just wanted to concentrate on getting
on the board.
Chairman Ron Palenski confirmed at last night's meeting he
was standing down after seven years in the role.
The new chairman will be elected by the board at its first
meeting, expected to take place in a couple of weeks.
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