New Zealand Rugby congratulates 2026 New Year Honours recipients

New Zealand Rugby’s (NZR) Chair David Kirk and Acting Chief Executive Steve Lancaster have congratulated all those within the rugby community who have been acknowledged for their service to the game in today’s New Year Honours.

Among eight recipients with connections to rugby are NZR Board Director Greg Barclay, who becomes a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sports governance; former All Black and NZR’s Pasifika Engagement Manager, Saveatama Eroni Clarke, now a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the Pacific community and sport; and Roger Drummond, also a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby and Māori.

Kirk said: 
“Greg is an astute director with a proven background in international sport. I’ve enjoyed seeing him apply this extensive experience to rugby, bringing his insight, leadership and care for the game. Being honoured today demonstrates Greg’s contribution to both domestic and global sport. We are delighted to have him involved in rugby.”

Kirk added:
“Roger has worked tirelessly for New Zealand Universities Rugby for decades as President. He has been a strong advocate at all levels and has successfully fostered and maintained NZU Rugby’s long term relationship with Japan for the benefit of the wider game. It is great to see his contribution recognised.”

NZR Acting CEO Steve Lancaster added: 
“Eroni was an electric player at every level, with pace, power and skill taking him all the way to the black jersey. He’s now using his personal experience to help create culturally competent spaces within rugby to enable Pasifika to thrive in all aspects of the game. His impact on Pasifika communities transcends rugby, which this honour duly acknowledges. We value having his passion, expertise and ability to connect across cultures in our game.

“It’s wonderful to see so many rugby people acknowledged today. We know that rugby is at the heart of Kiwi communities, and do not take that for granted. There are a great number of people who give up their time and energy to support rugby activity at every level. On behalf of New Zealand Rugby, I’d like to congratulate these recipients on their respective New Year Honours and thank them all for their service to the game.”

Full list of rugby’s recipients in the 2026 New Year’s Honours:

To be a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit:
•    Greg Barclay (NZR Board Member), for services to sports governance
•    Rachel Taulelei, NZR Board Appointments and Remunerations Panel (ARP) Chair, for services to business, Māori and governance.

To be a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit:
•    Eroni Clarke (NZR Pasifika Engagement Manager), for services to the Pacific community and rugby.
•    Roger Drummond (Former President New Zealand Universities Rugby Football Council), for services to rugby and Māori. 
•    Malcolm Gillies, (Hurricanes Board Chair), for services to business.

To be an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.
•    Iain Potter (former Hurricanes Chair) for services to sport and health. 

King's Service Order (KSO): 
•    David Jurlina for services to rugby and the community 
•    Nada Jurlina for services to rugby and the community