Peter Burke (ONZM)

(1927-2017)

National

1951, 1955, 1957 -  All Blacks

1970 - 1977 - North Island Selector 

1978 - 1982 - New Zealand Selector

1978 - 1979 - New Zealand Colts Coach

1981 - 1982 - All Blacks Coach

1993 - Vice President NZRFU

1994 - President NZRFU 

2003 - 2008 - Member NZRFU Appeal Committee

Regional

1948 -1959 - Taranaki Rugby Team

1956 - Captain of Taranaki v South Africa

Captain of Taranaki Rugby  for 15 Ranfurly Shield Games

1958 declined to play for the All Blacks opting instead to help Taranaki defend the Ranfurly Shield

First player to reach 100 games for Taranaki

1960 - 1969 - Taranaki Selector

1960 - 1969 - Coach Taranaki Colts 

1986 - TRFU Life Member

1989 - TRFU President

2008 - First TRFU Patron​​​​​​​

Peter Burke enjoyed a remarkable rugby career as a determined Number 8 and lock, captaining Taranaki during the Fabulous Winter of 1958 and chalking up twelve games, including three tests, for the All Blacks before going on to the highest levels of coaching and administration. Burke was the first player to reach 100 games for Taranaki, Burke retired in 1959, having played 117 provincial games. In the 1970s he assumed national selectorial duties before coaching the New Zealand Colts side and stepping up to coach the All Blacks during 1981 and 1982.  He was made a Life Member of the Taranaki Rugby Football Union in 1986 and of the New Zealand Rugby Union in 2008​​​​​​​.