Bay of Plenty patron Richard (Dick) Littlejohn was elected as a life member of New Zealand Rugby by unanimous vote on Thursday.
Littlejohn was an influential figure in the formation of the inaugural Rugby World Cup in 1987 and was made joint chairman of the tournament's organising committee.
Based in Whakatane, he is a life member of Bay of Plenty Rugby after serving on the Union's executive in various roles since 1963.
He served on the NZR Council (1981-1988), was All Blacks manager (1984-1985), a recipient of the NZR Steinlager Salver for outstanding service (2014) and an inductee to the IRB Hall of Fame in 2011.
Richard (Dick) Littlejohn achievements
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union
1963 — 1973: Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Executive
1974 — 1986: Bay of Plenty Rugby Union President
1987 — 1989: Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Chairman
1990: Awarded Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Life Member
2008 — Current: Bay of Plenty Rugby Union Patron