Eric started first-class rugby with Auckland as an explosive flanker with more pace than most backs. After transferring to North Harbour he got more regular match play and was switched to the backs in 1992.
He played 29 games for the All Blacks between 1992 and 1996 (including 9 test matches). His playing career included over 200 first class matches in which he scored over 100 tries.
He was one of the world's foremost Sevens rugby players. He represented New Zealand at Sevens for 17 years and captained them to a Gold Medal victory at the 1998 Commonwealth Games at Kuala Lumpur, the World Sevens Series Title for 6 consecutive years, Sevens World Cup championship in 2001, and the Gold Medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
As well as Rugby Union & Sevens Eric has represented New Zealand at touch rugby, was in the New Zealand U-17 representative volleyball team, and won a light-heavyweight New Zealand boxing title whilst still at school.
Eric attained the Bachelor of Laws degree, and was admitted to the bar as Barrister, with 8 years of corporate legal experience. He is now the Owner/Operator of the Browns Bay New World supermarket.In addition, playing for the NZ Maori Rugby Team, the NZ Touch Team and the Under-17 NZ volleyball team and he won the light heavyweight NZ amateur boxing title as a teenager. You may have caught him in th e 2003 Fight for Life for Youth Suicide on TV3, his Australian opponent will certainly remember him.
At the same time, he has continued to pursue other business. Eric is also a director and co-owner of a, popular and successful, corporate development, training company. In this business, Eric is able to take the principles of success he learned on the rugby field, and teach businesses how to apply them in their work. Many organizations are reporting spectacular bottom-line results from these programmes.
Eric has strong leadership skills and is one of New Zealand's most highly rated speakers. He is also author of three successful books, his first book Gold Rush was published in 1999 his second Rushie in 2002, and in November, 2004 he released his third book 'Adrenalin Rush'.
Eric's presentations are full of rugby anecdotes and focus on teamwork, leadership and motivation - and often receive standing ovations.
Career Highlights
Played 200 First Class games of rugby, scoring 108 first class tries.
Auckland Rugby Representative 1986-1990.
North Harbour Rugby Representative 1991-2000.
NZ Maori All Blacks 1987-1998.
NZ All Black 1992 ? 1996 (29 games incl 9 test matches).
NZ Sevens 1988-2005
Testimonials
"Hi Jane, Eric was incredible, the most loveliest of gentleman we’ve ever met. He was so great and his story resonated with the locals beautifully. Thank you for suggesting him, we had lots of fun and I hope he enjoyed his time as well"
- Pauline Boyd - Mannateh
