Matthew Cooper in action for the All Blacks 1993. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Former rugby internationals Matthew Cooper and Erin Rush have been elected as the president and vice president of New Zealand Rugby.
Former Black Fern Rush is the first woman to hold the vice president's office for NZR. She joins Matthew Cooper who takes over from Max Spence as president.
Cooper played eight tests between 1992 and 1994, while Rush played for the Black Ferns twice in 2003.
The pair were elected at Friday's AGM which also announced an increase in playing numbers.
In 2023, participation numbers increased by 7 percent on 2022 with 147,434 community rugby players taking the field last year, spurred by a 20 percent growth in women and girls participants and teenage participants up by 11 percent.
NZR chairperson Dame Patsy Reddy said: "Matt and Erin are highly respected in rugby circles and will be exceptional ambassadors for New Zealand Rugby. Their roles help in our vision to inspire and unify through rugby, and I know both will enjoy connecting with people involved in the game at every level."
Community rugby also introduced law variations designed to improve player safety, including lower tackle height (below the sternum) and a reduced scrum push.
Last month NZ Rugby reported a net statutory loss of $8.9 million for the financial year.