Peter Thompson is the latest life member of the Auckland Rugby Union.

Last night’s Annual General Meeting at Eden Park’s Hall of Legends saw Thompson, whose rugby involvement spans half a century, accorded the honour, joining the 17 other living life members of the union.

Thompson (pictured, right) is also a life member of the College Rifles club, and it was Peter Kempson from College Rifles who read his citation. A proud member of the Barbarians club, for whom he provides sponsorship for some of that club’s activities, Thompson has been a tireless worker for rugby. He steps down from the board of directors after eight years, but will certainly not be lost to Auckland Rugby. He is managing director of Barfoot and Thompson, major sponsor of the union.

Thompson has been active as a manager, coach and administrator through myriad club and age grade rep sides, and from 2004-06 was manager of the Auckland side under coach Pat Lam, a team which won the 2005 NPC first division title.

“It was a great honour when I found out I was to be put up (for life membership) because I look at the people who are life members, and they all mean something very special to me,” says Thompson.

“Thanks again for bestowing me with this honour and I look forward to representing you as a life member.”

Thompson was succeeded on the board by former All Blacks hooker and proud Aucklander Keven Mealamu, who detailed to delegates, life members and guests his background and what he hoped to bring to his new position. Greg Edmonds was reappointed to the board.

Chair Mike Donovan, CEO Jarrod Bear and Chair of the COD Stu Mather gave thorough updates on a very busy year in Auckland Rugby, while the union’s strong financial return, detailed in the Annual Report, was warmly acknowledged.

Former Auckland Rugby chairman Glenn Wahlstrom, now on the New Zealand Rugby board, gave an update from the national body.

There was a vote of thanks to retiring club delegates.