• Geoff Moon passed away suddenly whilst away in Italy
• ‘Moonie’ was a storied figure in Auckland Rugby with immense contributions to rugby in South Auckland at club and school level
• Moon also played a significant role in the development of players at representative level

Geoff Moon was many things to many people who came into contact with him throughout his years of coaching across club, school and representative rugby in Auckland.

‘Moonie’, as he was affectionately known, was renowned for his coaching nous. His technical expertise in forward play often saw him develop and nurture players to fulfil their potential on the field.

Perhaps his greatest contribution however, was away from the field as a mentor and friend. Moon believed in each and every player he coached and allowed them to also flourish as better people because of it.

His coaching career began in earnest during the early 1990s with Roller Mills which was in due course followed by a successful spell as the coach of the Auckland Secondary Schools side from ’96-’98.

The year 2000 saw Otahuhu claim the Gallaher Shield for the first time in 18 years with Moon at the helm. The following year, he led the Northern Region B side to the National Title, one of only two B sides to ever achieve such a feat.

His most recent exploits in club rugby were with Papatoetoe where he took the side to victory in the Waka Nathan Challenge Cup and the semi-finals of the Gallaher Shield.

‘Moonie’ also spent time in Bristol in the role as Academy Manager for the club as well as nurturing it’s up and coming talent in a coaching capacity.

With Auckland Rugby, he previously held the role of the Academy Manager, and in 2016, was appointed an Assistant Coach of the Mitre 10 Cup side.

At Secondary School level, Moon provided years of dedicated service to Aorere College, De La Salle, and most recently, Mount Albert Grammar School as Head Coach of the 1^st XV and Housemaster.

His legacy is one that will endure, and there is a certainty that many personal stories of those who have been influenced and mentored by ‘Moonie’ will be told and re-told several times over the coming days.

‘Moonie’ leaves behind his wife Angela, daughter Jessica, and sons Sean and DJ. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this time.