Laurie O'Reilly
Date of death1998 (aged 55)
Rugby union career
Position(s) Prop
Amateur team(s)
Years Team Apps (Points)
1963, 1965 University of Canterbury (0)
Coaching career
Years Team
1988 Crusadettes
1989–1991  New Zealand Women

Laurie O’Reilly (died 1998) was a New Zealand rugby union coach, lawyer, lecturer and New Zealand's Commissioner for Children from 1994 to 1997.[1] He was the first coach of the New Zealand women's national team, the Black Ferns.[1]

Early career

O’Reilly was a family lawyer in Christchurch, and he served as New Zealand's Commissioner for Children from 1994 to 1997.[1] He was also a law lecturer at the University of Canterbury, where he coached the men's team.[2] His daughter Lauren is a former Black Fern.[1]

Coaching career

In 1988, O’Reilly coached the Crusadettes, the University of Canterbury Women's team, and they toured the United States and Europe.[3] A year later he selected the first women's team to represent New Zealand.[2]

O’Reilly had a hand in organising RugbyFest 1990 in Christchurch. It was a two-week women's rugby festival that featured national teams from the Netherlands, the United States and USSR.

On 22 July 1989, the first official New Zealand women's team played the California Grizzlies, a touring side from the United States, at Lancaster Park in Christchurch.[4] He coached the team to the inaugural 1991 Women's Rugby World Cup in Wales.[2][1]

The Laurie O'Reilly Cup is named in his honour. New Zealand and Australia have competed for it annually since 1994.[4]

Death

O’Reilly died from cancer in 1998.[2][1] He held a living funeral before his death; Wayne Smith, who was mentored by O’Reilly, spoke at the event.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Julian, Adam (22 August 2022). "O'Reilly legacy looms large in the Black Ferns". allblacks.com. Retrieved 24 August 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "How Laurie O'Reilly's 'larger than life' passion for rugby helped women's game soar". women.rugby. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  3. ↑ "1988 Crusadettes to lace up for Golden Oldies tournament". Stuff. 4 August 2017. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
  4. 1 2 "31 years since first official New Zealand women's team took to the field". allblacks.com. 22 July 2020. Retrieved 8 February 2022.
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