Former professional rugby player Ryan Glover has assumed the chairmanship of the Tasman Rugby Union.
The Marlborough lifestyle and rural real estate agent for Harcourts succeeds Wayne Young, who completed his second stint as chairman last month.
“I had been involved in junior rugby (JAB) in Marlborough, something I am really passionate about, and then had the chance to sit as an emerging director with the TRU board a few months ago. When the chairman’s role became available, I put my name forward and the board really liked my vision for the region and junior rugby,” says the former Canterbury, Southland and Hawke’s Bay winger.
He played 20 provincial matches and one Super Rugby game for the Highlanders between 2003-06.
“I suffered a serious leg injury at the Highlanders that cut short my season, and I never fully recovered.”
Following a year of treatment, Ryan decided to hang up his boots and moved into banking.
“After being in the corporate world for a long time, this is my chance to give something back to rugby. This fills my cup,” enthuses the 46-year-old.
Raised in Whanganui, Ryan has developed strong links with Marlborough over the past two decades.
“My wife is from Marlborough, and my in-laws are fourth generation Sounds farmers. We have been back in Marlborough permanently for 12 years.”
After banking, Ryan joined leading international winemaker Delegat, world-renowned for its Oyster Bay label.
“The viticulture industry is vibrant and has been the heart and soul for Marlborough for a long time.”
But seeking a change, he recently switched to real estate.
“I love going to talk to people, knowing what they do, problem solving and finding solutions for them.”
His career change also provided him with more flexibility to take on a significant rugby role.
“I am very strong on governance, understand finance and the professional environment, although it has obviously changed a lot since I played,” says Ryan.
After moving to Marlborough, he did turn out for Harlequins in club rugby.
“The body had started to give up, my timing and speed had left me, so I followed my idol Tana Umaga and moved into centre,” he quips.
Junior rugby became his passion, and he marvels at the young male and female talent coming through.
His son has played flanker for the Marlborough U52kg side, which makes a habit of overwhelming Nelson Bays, while his daughter relishes Rippa Rugby.
“Tasman rugby is in a really good space now, the heart of the provincial game is in really good shape, it is a matter of making sure we sustain it, stay really engaged with local communities and help those young players see pathways to being a male or female Mako.”
Ryan is well aware of the threat league poses, enticing former Nelson College 1st XV captains Harry Inch and Tom Perkins to both code hop in the past two years.
“The NRL has a very strong presence in New Zealand, and it is a big drawcard playing in that competition.”
Meanwhile, the all-male TRU board is also seeking two new directors, and the chairman says it is a great opportunity to get some diversity at that administration level.
