League: Trio get nod for NZRL

Ray Haffendon, Meng Foon and Mark Gosche were yesterday confirmed as the three elected directors on the NZRL's new board, with Haffenden voted in as the new vice-chairman.

The trio join chairman Scott Carter and the other three appointed directors Gary Fissenden, John Bishop and Michele Teague to complete the board.

The NZRL appointments panel of John Wells, Sir John Anderson, Cameron McGregor and Peter Kerridge last month nominated Haffenden, Foon and Gosche for the three elected director positions and further recommended Haffenden as vice-chairman. These recommendations were all unanimously supported at a special NZRL general meeting in Auckland yesterday.

Haffenden was NZRL chairman from April 2008 until May 2009, taking over from the divisive Andrew Chalmers, and had previously been on the NZRL council for four years.

Foon is Gisborne mayor and Gisborne/Tarawhiti Rugby League chairman and has been involved in rugby league for 20 years as an administrator, sponsor, supporter and facilitator.

Gosche was an MP for 12 years and held numerous ministerial posts, including corrections, racing, Pacific Island affairs and transport.

The NZRL are presently seeking directors for the seven zones created under their new constitution and are also close to appointing a chief executive.