Otago great David Latta was elected vice-president at the organisation’s annual meeting in Wellington yesterday.
Former Black Fern Erin Rush became the first female president of NZR, having previously been the vice-president.
Latta told the Otago Daily Times he was thrilled to be elected to the voluntary role.
‘‘Yeah, it’s quite cool. A bit daunting for a start, but yeah, it’s going to be great,’’ Latta said.
‘‘It’s another chapter in my life.’’
Latta said the role would involve ‘‘a lot of listening’’.
‘‘You go out and you do different functions and meet with rugby people in different provinces or clubs and stuff like that.
‘‘You just engage with them and listen to what their ideas are.
‘‘You’re not a voice on the board or anything; you’re just a set of ears and try and tell them what you believe in and the direction that New Zealand rugby is heading.’’
He will be a popular appointment with fans in the South.
The former Otago captain played 161 games for the province from 1986 to 1996 and helped his side secure the NPC title in 1991.
The hooker was also influential in Otago’s 19-12 win against the Springboks in 1994 and the victory over the British and Irish Lions in 1993.
Latta is a life member of the Clutha Rugby Club. He had one season with the Highlanders before hanging up his boots.
He has coached Otago B, Otago Country and the Otago women’s sevens side and was an Otago assistant coach.
The man nicknamed ‘‘Crazy’’ even has a trophy named after him.
The Otago NPC player’s player trophy is named in his honour and recognises his exceptional contribution to the sport.
He has had a long stint as a director of the NZR Foundation.
Quite simply, Latta has put a lot back into the game he loves despite a busy home life.
He is married to Tracey. They live in Balclutha and have three children. Their first grandchild is on its way.
He runs a couple of businesses as well.
‘‘Yeah, well, my wife asked me that, too,’’ Latta joked when asked why he wanted to get involved and give up more time.
‘‘But I think it’s just an opportunity to give back, really. It is a game I got a lot out of.’’
Latta is a straight-shooter and NZR can rely on some honest feedback.
He has been critical of the direction the game has been heading in the past and is not blind to the challenges.
There are so many sports competing against it now. Twenty years ago, rugby was in our DNA.
‘‘And now there’s league, there’s basketball, there’s different pathways in every sport you can think of.
‘‘The professionalism in sports changed the way people look at sport in general. So, a lot of children nowadays are looking at different options.
‘‘Rugby’s not everything to them. They could forge their own way in basketball. They could forge their way in league.’’
