McKittrick named life member
John McKittrick, right, with Haden Kose at Mahurangi Rugby Club in 2018.
John McKittrick, a long-time supporter of Mahurangi Rugby Club, has been made a life member of the Harbour Rugby Union.
It is an honour that has only been bestowed 12 times.
McKittrick has coached the Mahurangi premiere team and was coach of the U19s team when it claimed the club’s only North Harbour championship title in 2015.
In his younger days, he played for Warkworth RFC before leaving the area and ultimately coaching at Silverdale.
McKittrick coached several North Harbour representative teams, including Colts, B’s and Sevens, winning six national titles. He also managed North Harbour’s premier team.
Thorburn also worked at English club Bristol between 2001 and 2003 as a director of rugby and coached the United States national side when it participated in the 2007 World Cup. Our thoughts go to the family and friends of Peter who was such an instrumental person in the formation of the Union, but also so respected for more than just his coaching by all rugby people, said North Harbour Rugby chairman Gerard van Tilborg said in a statement. Peter was always an astute thinker around the game. He was inspirational to a huge number of players and coaches creating many original and creative plays which became a hallmark of North Harbour rugby with high entertainment and player flair. He will be well remembered fondly and missed by all who knew him.