Rugby: Mourie given approval to stand for fourth term

Former All Blacks captain Graham Mourie has been given approval to stand for a fourth term on the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) board.

The NZRU constitution stipulates a maximum of three consecutive terms for board members, but there is provision for an extension.

A statement from the NZRU today said the board had determined that Mourie was eligible, "given exceptional circumstances", to seek a fourth term on the board.

The statement said the board had paid "particular attention" to Mourie's position as chairman of the International Rugby Board's rugby committee.

The committee has recommended that Mourie be eligible for election to the central zone position.

Hawke's Bay Rugby Football Union (HBRFU) chairman Richard Hunt, who was nominated by the HBRFU, has declared he will stand for election against Mourie.

The NZRU's appointments and remuneration committee today confirmed its recommended candidates for election to the board, which will be considered by NZRU membership at the annual meeting on April 22.

Rugby Southland chairman Graham Cooney was recommended by the appointments and remuneration committee as southern zone representative. He will succeed Mark Peter, who has completed his third term as a board member.

- NZPA