New General Manager Rugby – Tony Thorpe

Former Brumbies Team Director Tony Thorpe has been appointed the General Manager Rugby for the Fiji Rugby Union.

According to the Australian Sport, Thorpe brought a culture of success to the Brumbies from the Crusaders, where he was team manager from 2004-2011 during which time they won three of their record seven titles.

Thorpe’s impressive background reveals that he was the All Blacks Manager from 2002 – 2003 and prior to that the Manager for the Hurricanes U23 in 2002.

However, this latest appointment is a new direction for him.

“This is a new direction in rugby for me, from being a team manager to GM Rugby. What inspired me to accept the offer was the ability that I have to develop the potential I see in a Fijian athlete.”

“I intend to get the detail right in the projects I am responsible for and ensure the greater good of Fiji Rugby is looked after.”

Thorpe was the first to manage Super Rugby teams from two different countries. A former second-rower for the Ranfurly Shield-winning Canterbury side of the early 1980s, Thorpe sat on the bench for New Zealand against the Wallabies in 1986.

After retiring, he cut his teeth in team management with the Hurricanes development side and got his break with the All Blacks in 2002 under Coach John Mitchell.

So far he has enjoyed the duties that come along with the job even though it is different.

“It has been pleasantly surprising. There a lot of good things going on in rugby here. We need to continue to drive good standards and values on and off the field for everyone involved in rugby to enjoy.”

“Team management is black and white compared to GM Rugby. Doing development management and high performance you need a broader vision with an open mind.”

Thorpe spent eight seasons with Super Rugby’s most successful franchise, the Crusaders, gaining a wealth of experience in preparing professional rugby sides.

As a player, he played Lock at representative level and No. 8 at Club level and represented Canterbury between 1982 and 1986. He also made appearances for the New Zealand Sevens, Poverty Bay, NZ Juniors and Emerging Players representative sides.

Notable players that he played alongside were Robbie Deans, Wayne Smith, Billy Bush, Jock Hobbs, John Kirwan, Grant Fox, John Ashworth and Albert Anderson.

During the 2011 RWC he was a liaison for the Wallabies providing a smooth transition to Brumbies Rugby in January 2012.

Management Roles

Team Director – Brumbies 2012 – 2014

Team Manager – Crusaders 2004 – 2011

Team Manager – All Blacks  2002 – 2003

Team Manager – Hurricanes U23 – 2002

Team Manager – Hurricanes U21 – 2000 – 2001

Team Manager – Poverty Bay 2002

Player history

Poverty Bay Rugby Team – 1987/89

Canterbury Rugby Team – 1982 – 1986

NZ Divisional XV – 1990

NZ Juniors – 1984

NZ Emerging Players – 1986

NZ Sevens – 1984

Reserve for All Blacks – 1986